TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host a dedicated M&A panel for early-stage founders, reflecting the growing importance of acquisition strategies in tech. The event, set for October 13–15 in San Francisco, will feature industry leaders sharing insights on navigating mergers and acquisitions. This comes as crypto and AI startups face heightened acquisition activity, with companies like OpenAI and Google making strategic purchases.

Founders will gain actionable advice on making their ventures attractive to buyers, from cap table management to legal structuring. The panel includes Aklil Ibssa of Coinbase, who has overseen 14 acquisitions, and Lindsey Mignano, a lawyer specializing in early-stage deals. Investors like Karl Alomar of M13 will also contribute, drawing from their experience scaling companies to IPOs.

The event’s limited-time ticket offer—50% off a second pass until May 8—aims to foster collaboration among founders and investors.