We recently unveiled the Going Public Stage at News Disrupt 2025 — a new destination for founders navigating the complexities of company building, from early traction to IPO and beyond. Today, we’re excited to announce new agenda additions that bring even more insight and firepower to the stage, shown only at the 20th anniversary celebration of News.
Joining the speaker lineup are Eric Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom Communications Inc., and Santi Subotovsky, general partner at Emergence. These trailblazing leaders will share candid perspectives on scaling companies, preparing for public markets, and steering through pivotal transitions.
Whether you’re just getting started or mapping out your long-term strategy, the Going Public Stage offers lessons, frameworks, and stories that apply across every phase of the founder journey.
Mark your calendar — the Going Public Stage is shaping up to be a highlight of Disrupt. Don’t miss it. Grab your ticket at the Regular Bird rate while you still can. Register now to save up to $668. Prices go up after September 26.
How Long Should a Startup Stay Private?
David George, general partner, Andreessen Horowitz
Startups today can grow to huge valuations, cash out their employees, and stay private longer than those of previous eras. But that also means that late-stage startups are facing a whole new set of rules. George unpacks the shifting VC landscape, what the next generation of scaled startups needs to know, and how capital is being deployed in an era of tighter money and higher expectations. From IPO windows to secondary markets to the evolving role of growth investors, this fireside chat goes deep on what it really takes to build enduring companies in today’s market — and what’s coming next.
What Comes After Breakout Success?
Santi Subotovsky, general partner, Emergence; and Eric Yuan, founder and CEO, Zoom Communications Inc.
Techcrunch event
San Francisco
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October 27-29, 2025
You’ve built the hit product — now what? Zoom CEO Eric Yuan and Emergence general partner Santi Subotovsky take the stage to dig into what comes after the breakout moment. From expanding into new markets to launching the next product bets, this panel will explore how great companies avoid becoming one-hit wonders. We’ll get into the tough calls on focus versus diversification, how to keep innovating at scale, and what investors want to see in a second act. If you’re staring down the post-product/market fit phase, this convo is your roadmap.
How AI Is Forcing Late-stage Startups to Rewire GTM — or Be Left Behind
Jane Alexander, partner, CapitalG; Vanessa Larco, co-founder, Premise; and Nirav Tolia, CEO, Nextdoor
AI is rewriting the playbook for how startups reach and win customers — and late-stage companies are feeling the pressure to adapt fast. In this panel, two top VCs and a seasoned founder break down how AI is transforming go-to-market strategies, from sales and marketing to customer success. We’ll get into what’s working, what’s hype, and how to build AI into your GTM engine without losing focus. If you’re scaling and wondering how AI fits into your next phase of growth, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.
Building a Company That Lasts
Chris Britt, Co-founder and CEO, Chime
Chris Britt knows how to build a company that withstands headwinds and seizes rare opportunities. As co-founder and CEO of Chime, he’s led the fintech from scrappy challenger to one of the few to go public in today’s tough market. In this conversation, Britt will share what it takes to scale with discipline, stay resilient through market shifts, and make the leap from private to public when so few manage it.
Everything You Need to Know Before an Exit
Jai Das, co-founder, president, and partner, Sapphire Ventures; and Roseanne Wincek, co-founder and managing director, Renegade Partners
Go public, get acquired, or double down and stay private? In today’s unpredictable market, founders need to think about exit strategy earlier — and more strategically — than ever. This panel brings together two top VCs and a seasoned CFO to unpack how to set your company up for every option. We’ll talk timing, metrics that matter, investor expectations, and what it really takes to navigate M&A and IPO prep, or just keep building through the storm. Whether you’re 12 months out or just starting to scale, this conversation is all about making smart moves now for whatever comes next.
Exit strategy? Start shaping it at Disrupt 2025
Whether you’re building your first product, scaling your team, or planning for the long term, the Going Public Stage at Disrupt 2025 is built for founders ready to make bold moves. Hear from leaders who’ve navigated the highs, the risks, and the reinventions — and walk away with insights you can act on now.
Don’t wait to sharpen your exit strategy. Secure your pass to Disrupt 2025 now and save up to $668 before prices rise on September 26, 11:59 p.m. PT.
