One day for founders in Boston

TechCrunch Founder Summit is a full-day gathering on November 4 where founders connect with top VCs and experienced entrepreneurs to gain tactical insights on building and scaling companies.

Where and how to get there

The event takes place at the SoWa Power Station in Boston on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. It is accessible via public transportation, a short walk from Back Bay and Tufts Medical Center stops on the Orange Line, or Broadway stop on the Red Line.

What founders will learn

Sessions cover fundraising, AI-native building, and leadership. Topics include what investors look for now, how the CEO role changes at each growth stage, and building companies where AI is the foundation rather than a bolt-on feature.

Brian Halligan on the CEO job

HubSpot co-founder and Sequoia partner Brian Halligan will speak on how the CEO role changes at each stage of growth, addressing a challenge all founders face as their companies scale.

“The CEO Job Never Gets Easier”

AI as the foundation

Seven AI co-founder and CEO Lior Div will discuss what changes when AI is the foundation of a company rather than a bolt-on feature, addressing how founders should approach AI-native building from day one.

“Built for AI From Day One”

Evaluating investors and cap tables

Cogent Security co-founder and CEO Vineet Edupuganti will cover evaluating investors and cap-table trade-offs beyond valuation, helping founders understand that not every dollar raised is equal in value.

“Not Every Dollar Is Equal”

Building outside Silicon Valley

HqO co-founder and CEO Chase Garbarino will share the Boston Founder Playbook, discussing how to build a category-defining company outside Silicon Valley after raising two hundred million dollars and scaling to thirty plus countries.

“The Boston Founder Playbook”

More than just panels

Beyond main sessions, the event includes breakout sessions, networking via the Braindate app to connect investors with founders, and Founder Summit week from November one to seven with side events expanding community gathering opportunities.

Ticket pricing and discounts

Current pricing is four hundred ninety-nine dollars for investors, one hundred ninety-nine dollars for founders, and one hundred forty-nine dollars for students. Buy a second ticket and get fifty percent off. Pricing increases after October sixteen.

Free attendance option

TechCrunch is recruiting volunteers to help staff the event. Volunteers receive free access to programming beyond their shift and a behind-the-scenes look at how the event comes together. Applications close October nineteen.

Event name change

Founder Summit was formerly known as Early Stage and All Stage. The event keeps the same mission but operates under a new name this year, so prior research may reference the old titles.