Prize Money, No Strings Attached: TechCrunch's New Startup Competition Model

TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Battlefield now gives winners $100,000 with no ownership stake required. Glīd won under this new model in 2025. The change lets founders keep full control of their companies—a concern that has grown sharper since funding dried up in 2022–2023. Applications for 2026 close today.