TechCrunch Unveils Top 200 Startups for 2026 Battlefield Competition

TechCrunch has selected its Startup Battlefield 200 companies for 2026. The competition will take place in San Francisco this October. The selection highlights the most promising early-stage companies in the world. A dozen standout firms are transforming finance and real estate with artificial intelligence.These startups represent the top contenders from thousands of global applicants. The final 200 will compete in a dedicated pitch event, with the top 20 advancing to the main stage. The winner receives the coveted Startup Battlefield Cup and $100,000.

AI-Powered Fintech Startups Aim to Disrupt Finance

The fintech category features AI tools for fraud, investing, and banking. Clox AI uses artificial intelligence to detect document forgery and tampering. This helps lenders and financial firms automate verification securely.Cypher offers fractional CFO services designed for tech startups. The platform focuses on investor reporting and cap table management. Another firm, Identifee, provides a consolidated AI platform for community banks.According to TechCrunch, it replaces costly, generalist tools like Salesforce. Investment is also getting an AI overhaul. Kruncher automates the entire private equity and VC process.This includes deal screening, due diligence, and portfolio reporting. For everyday consumers, Lootlock helps parents manage kids’ video game spending. Funds are linked to chore performance through a prepaid debit card.

Proptech Innovators Rethink Real Estate and Construction

In real estate and proptech, AI is streamlining design and investment. Genia transforms architectural drawings into code-compliant structural designs. The company claims this slashes design time by tenfold.Surfaice acts as an AI copilot for construction development teams. It automates design, documentation, and cost projections for repeatable projects. This removes manual bottlenecks in high-volume infrastructure work.For investors, Smart Bricks is an AI-powered platform analyzing UAE and U.S. properties. It helps individuals discover high-return commercial and residential investments. The platform analyzes millions of data points daily to surface the best opportunities.Unlisted Homes has created a unique “pre-market” model. Its AI builds profiles for 21 million U.S. homes not currently for sale. Buyers can join waitlists for specific properties years before they are listed.

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The 2026 TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 spotlights a clear trend: AI is no longer a niche feature but the core engine powering the next generation of fintech and proptech innovation, reshaping entire industries from the ground up.

Info at your fingertips

How do startups apply for the Startup Battlefield competition?

Startups apply directly through the TechCrunch website. Thousands of applications are submitted globally each year. The selection committee then whittles these down to the top 200 contenders.

What do startups gain from being in the Battlefield 200?

All selected companies gain exposure to TechCrunch’s global audience and investor network. They compete in a dedicated pitch competition. The experience offers invaluable training and media spotlight.

Which industry has the most startups in the 2026 list?

While diverse, a significant portion of highlighted companies are in fintech and artificial intelligence. AI-driven solutions for finance, real estate, and construction are particularly prominent this year.

What is the main prize for the competition winner?

The ultimate winner receives the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 prize. They also earn significant media coverage and credibility within the global tech ecosystem.

Where and when is the main event held?

The main TechCrunch event is held in San Francisco. The 2026 competition is scheduled for October 13-15.

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