Maybe you’ve created an app, developed an AI-based tool, or have an idea for a tech business that you think could take off. But turning a great idea into a successful company requires more than technical knowledge. You need the right people, the right advice, and a plan to get there.
That’s where TechCrunch Founders Summit 2026 The day-long event, taking place at Boston’s SoWa Power Plant on November 4, brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders and investors to share practical tips on how to build and grow a business.
Whether you’re working on a side project you’d love to turn into a full-time company, exploring how AI could power your next big idea, or already running a startup, Founder Summit offers the opportunity to learn from people who have been there and done that.
For aspiring founders, that means practical guidance on how to find clients, raise money, build a team, and avoid costly mistakes. For those already running a business, it’s an opportunity to make connections, learn new approaches, and determine what comes next.
And for anyone looking to invest in the next generation of tech companies, it’s a chance to meet the people who create them.
PCWorld Readers Can Save 25% on Eligible TechCrunch Founders Summit Tickets by following this link or using the promo code PCWORLD25 at checkout.
There are other ways to save too. Current offers include buy one ticket and get a second free, up to $100 off individual tickets, 50% discount on a second ticketand Up to 30% discount on qualifying group bookings.
What can you learn at TechCrunch Founder Summit?
Founder Summit is not just a succession of keynote speeches. The event is based on interactive sessions, smaller group discussions and opportunities to speak directly with founders and investors.
Topics range from how to get a startup off the ground, to creating an AI-first company, finding the right customers, securing investment, and hiring your first employees.
Some of the sessions worth checking out include:
- Built for AI from day one: 7AI Co-Founder and CEO Lior Div explores what it takes to build a company around AI from the ground up, rather than simply adding AI features to an existing product.
- Finding product market fit before scaling: Kent Bennett of Bessemer Venture Partners explains how to test whether customers want your product before investing heavily in growth.
- Building a company that continues to reinvent itself: Toast co-founder and director Steve Fredette shares lessons on how to adapt a business as technology and customer expectations change.
- The Boston Founder’s Handbook: HqO Co-Founder and CEO Chase Garbarino talks about building a successful technology company outside of Silicon Valley, having raised $200 million and expanded to more than 30 countries.
- Not all dollars are equal: Cogent Security co-founder and CEO Vineet Edupuganti examines what founders should consider when choosing investors, beyond simply looking at valuation.
- Your proposal should spark the following conversation: Investor and entrepreneur Dave Balter shares tips on how to make a proposal compelling enough to secure that important follow-up meeting.
There are also sessions on recruiting, fundraising, marketing and leadership, as well as a startup pitch competition. So you think you can pitch?in which three early-stage companies will present their ideas to a panel of judges.
You can explore the full Founders Summit agenda here.
TechCrunch
Meet people who could help your business grow
One of the biggest challenges when starting a business is finding people who can help you move forward. It could be an investor who believes in your idea, a potential business partner, or just another founder who’s already solved the problem you’re facing. Founder Summit is designed to facilitate those connections.
In addition to the main sessions, there are smaller discussions and networking opportunities, including the Braindate platform, which helps attendees host one-on-one or group conversations about shared interests and challenges.
Events will also be held in Boston during Founders Summit week, November 1-7, offering more opportunities to meet other people in the startup community.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or still figuring out how to turn your idea into something real, you don’t need to have everything figured out before attending.
How much do tickets cost and how can you save?
The TechCrunch Founders Summit takes place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026at the SoWa power plant in Boston. Standard ticket options include a $299 Founder Pass, a $499 Investor Pass, and a $149 Student Founder Ticket, but there are several promotional options available:
- 25% discount with PCWORLD25: Exclusive discount for PCWorld readers.
- Buy one, get one free: Bring along a co-founder, colleague, or fellow entrepreneur.
- Save up to $100: Available on select single tickets.
- Second entry and group offers: Other offers include 50% off a second ticket and discounts of up to 30% for qualifying group bookings.
With November 4th quickly approaching, don’t leave it too late. If you’ve been thinking about launching a technology business, taking an AI project to the next level, or finding investors for your startup, this could be the opportunity to get some practical advice and make valuable connections.
Save 25% with code PCWORLD25.
