Summary:
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will explore if Silicon Valley still offers a competitive edge for startups, with insights from top founders and investors.
Key speakers include Anh-Tho Chuong of Lago, David Hall of Revolution, and Tawni Nazario-Cranz of SignalFire, discussing geography's role in startup success.
The event addresses the impact of distributed teams and global fundraising on whether location matters in today's startup ecosystem.
Attendees can save up to $668 by registering before September 26, 2025, for the October 27-29 event in San Francisco.
This session is crucial for founders looking to scale smartly, focusing on access, networking, and opportunities beyond traditional hubs.
The Big Question: Do Startups Still Need Silicon Valley?
As the startup world gathers in San Francisco for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — happening October 27–29 at Moscone West — a critical question is on everyone's mind: Does building in Silicon Valley still give founders an edge? With over 10,000 startup and VC leaders attending this milestone event, the debate around access, geography, and opportunity is more relevant than ever.
Image Credits: Photo by Barak Shrama/Slava Blazer Photography
On the Builders Stage, industry leaders Anh-Tho Chuong (Lago), David Hall (Revolution), and Tawni Nazario-Cranz (SignalFire) will lead a must-attend session for founders aiming to scale smartly in today's landscape.
Register now to save up to $668 before the deadline on September 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
With the rise of distributed teams, regional hubs, and global fundraising, founders are questioning if their location truly provides an advantage. Is the Bay Area still the key to opening doors, or has the playing field leveled? This session features experts who have built and backed companies across the U.S. and beyond, discussing access in 2025, the evolution of remote collaboration post-pandemic, and where real opportunities lie for emerging founders.
Meet the Speakers on the Builders Stage
- Anh-Tho Chuong is revolutionizing open source billing with Lago, a Y Combinator-backed platform used by AI leaders like Mistral. With experience scaling Qonto and roles at Weebly and McKinsey, she brings international growth insights.
- David Hall, managing partner at Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, champions startups outside Silicon Valley, backing bold founders in overlooked regions.
- Tawni Nazario-Cranz, partner at SignalFire and former CHRO at Waymo, offers a people-first approach to scaling organizations, with expertise in talent strategies that work globally.
The Edge Debate: Bay Area vs. Everywhere Else
This session will provide fresh perspectives on what drives startup success, regardless of location. Learn what still matters, what doesn't, and how to build your network effectively.
Catch this live discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco. Register now to secure your spot and save.
Image Credits: Kimberly White / Getty Images
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