Have you gotten your tickets for TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017? If not, you probably should. The tech conference of the year is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring celebrities like Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environmental Initiatives, Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen, co-founders of Houzz, and Ben Silbermann, Pinterest’s co-founder and CEO. With innovative events like the Startup Battlefield, lectures hosted by tech leaders and so much more, TechCrunch Disrupt is an excellent opportunity to learn and network. Supporting seed-stage entrepreneurs with collaborative and creative co-working space, The Vine positions startups for success in the global economy. Here is our list of what to look forward to at the most anticipated startup event of the year – TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017.
Expect Some New Features
TechCrunch Disrupt is known for some noteworthy staples, like Startup Battlefield, Startup Alley and a variety of speaker series, but this year, TechCrunch Disrupt announced some new attractions. A new workshop program called Off the Record is drawing attention for its open, discussion-based format. Hosted by a moderator, these panels include renown startup founders and investors. To make things even more interesting, all attendees can join in on the conversation, ask questions and mingle after the panel closes. The Off the Record lineup covers an array of relevant topics, including “Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning,” “Augmented & Virtual Reality” and “Robotics, Drones & Mobility.”
In addition, TechCrunch is offering a new networking service called CrunchMatch, which helps startup founders and investors connect while at the event. Prior to the show, CrunchMatch asks investors to sign-up and review a list of startups that will be present at TechCrunch Disrupt. If an investor is interested in learning more about a startup, they can use CrunchMatch to schedule a meeting during TechCrunch Disrupt.
The Startup Battlefield Will be More Exciting than Ever
One of the most attended events at TechCrunch Disrupt is the Startup Battlefield, a competition in which companies pitch their products and services to a panel of seasoned techies and investors. The winning startup not only walks away with the coveted Disrupt Cup and $50,000, it also gets a formal introduction to a massive international audience of users and investors. This year’s star startup will join the ranks of previous winners like the enterprise social network Yammer and financial service software Mint on the Startup Battlefield Leaderboard.
The 2017 panel of judges boasts several well known names in the world of venture capital, including Anna Fang from ZhenFund, Patricia Nakache from Trinity Ventures, Shawn Carolan from Menlo Ventures and Jeff Clavier from SoftTech VC.
If you’re curious about what’s on the horizon for tech, don’t miss your chance to visit Startup Alley where you can find hundreds of early stage startups.
Keep an Eye on AI
A hot-button topic in the world of tech, artificial intelligence is all over TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017. Discussions on AI include a talk with Intel CEO Brian Krzanich and Google Artificial Intelligence Chief John Giannandrea who will outline AI’s role in their respective company’s endeavors. There will also be some exciting surprises from speakers like Coursera Co-Founder Andrew Ng who plans to unveil a mysterious shop focused on machine learning. The roster also includes Udacity’s Sebastian Thrun, who previously worked on the highly inventive Google X team. Thrun’s discussion covers his current passion project – an app that uses AI to locate skin cancer cells.
This Year is All About Innovation Abroad
Leading the way in entrepreneurship, Chinese companies and investors are hosting an array of chats during TechCrunch Disrupt, primarily sharing insight on what it means to be a key player in global tech. Based in Beijing, China, VIPKID provides Chinese children ages 4 through 12 with an American elementary education. The company’s Co-Founder and CEO, Cindy Mi, hosts a talk on her experience in the second language marketplace. In addition, Neil Shen of Sequoia Capital China looks back on his venture investing career to predict the future of tech in China. ZhenFund Founder and Executive Director Bob Xu covers angel investing in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
Social Justice Will Meet Science
Tech can play a key role in responding to the world’s toughest issues. At TechCrunch Disrupt, numerous discussion topics focus on the importance of using tech as a means for systematic change. If you’re interested in tech for social justice, don’t miss Apple’s Lisa Jackson talk on the impact of using renewable, eco-friendly resources in tech development. “Tech as a Force for Good,” featuring a conversation Tiffani Ashley Bell from nonprofit The Human Utility, Andrew Frame from crime reporting app Citizen, Rosanne Haggerty from Community Solutions, hosted by former mayor of Washington, D.C., Adrian Fenty, is another community outreach event that will leave you inspired.
Prepare for Some Mind-Blowing Inventions
One of the best parts of attending TechCrunch Disrupt are checking out all the, well, disruptors. This year will see talks with SpaceX and Tesla investor Steve Jurvetson, who is an expert in game-changing tech. Herman Narula of Improbable and John Riccitiello of Unity Technologies will cover all things virtual reality, including the creation of immersive virtual worlds in video games and beyond. One of the most anticipated talks will be with Julia Collins of Zume Pizza and Dave Zito of Miso Robotics who are changing the world of food service with the help of robotic technology.
You’ll Leave with Some Strategic Takeaways
With a lineup of celebrity entrepreneurs and tech innovators, you’re bound to leave TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017 with some inspirational takeaways. Golden State Warriors MVP Kevin Durant and his agent and investment partner, Rich Kleiman, are hosting a riveting session on personal branding, outlining what it takes to create and control your own brand. Award-winning venture capitalist Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures will give us her tips on how to spot a great investment and ClassPass CEO Fritz Lanman will share the ups and downs of his career journey. Be sure to sit in on “A Debate About the Nature of Work,” which explores the best approach to achieving long-term success when your startup takes off.
After you attend the tech event of the year, take your inspiration to The Vine, where you can find the dynamic resources needed to bring your brilliant idea to life. From innovative, collaborative workspaces to a thriving network of startup professionals, The Vine offers everything needed to get businesses growing.
If you’re interested in attending TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2017, purchase your tickets here. Be sure to represent The Vine community by using #TheVineOC or #TheVineSD in your social posts from the event!
