At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the future doesn’t just get discussed — it takes off. Nowhere is that more literal than on the Space Stage, launching in San Francisco’s Moscone West on October 27, in partnership with The Aerospace Corporation.
This is where the builders of the next frontier meet: founders, investors, and operators shaping the business of orbit — from rockets and manufacturing to AI and defense. Even as capital tightens and competition intensifies, this lineup proves the commercial space sector is entering its most ambitious era yet.
Whether you’re a space junkie, a startup builder, or an investor chasing the edge of innovation, the Space Stage will deliver a front-row look at the companies redefining what’s possible beyond Earth. Register here to save up to $624 on your pass before October 17, 11:59 p.m. PT.
The full stellar lineup is ready for liftoff on the Space Stage
Learn more about each space leader and their session on the Disrupt agenda.
Investing at the Edge of Space
With Celeste Ford, managing director, Stellar Ventures; Chris Morales, partner, Point72 Ventures; Morgan Beller, general partner, NFX
As space becomes a bigger focus for both governments and private markets, investors are navigating new opportunities and new risks. Top VCs break down where capital is flowing, what startups must prove to stand out, and how the funding landscape for space is evolving.
Image Credits:Getty Images
Aerospace Startup Showcase: Solving the Hardest Problems in Space
In partnership with The Aerospace Corporation
Techcrunch event
San Francisco
|
October 27-29, 2025
AI is transforming how we explore and operate in space. The Aerospace Corporation hosts a pitch-off spotlighting startups building frontier AI solutions for orbital intelligence, infrastructure, and exploration.
Judges: Tom Cwik (JPL), Debra Emmons (Aerospace Corporation), Katelin Holloway (776 Ventures), and Mandy Vaughn (XCO)
Startups: Little Place Labs, Magma Space, Orbital Robotics, Sandro, and Scout Space
From Robinhood to Aetherflux: Baiju Bhatt’s Next Frontier
With Baiju Bhatt, founder and CEO, Aetherflux
Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt helped democratize investing. Now he’s turning his sights to space. Bhatt shares why he’s diving into deep tech, what he’s learned about building across radically different industries, and how his next act could reshape access to space.
Image Credits:Steve Jennings / Getty Images
AI at the Edge: Startups Powering the Future of Space
In partnership with The Aerospace Corporation, and with Lucy Hoag, founder and CEO, Violet Labs; and Adam Maher, founder and CEO, Ursa Space Systems
Space isn’t just about rockets — it’s about intelligence. From on-orbit compute to autonomous decision-making, this session spotlights the founders using AI to manage missions faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever.
Laying the Groundwork for a New Space Economy
With Even Rogers, co-founder and CEO, True Anomaly; Max Haot, CEO, Vast; Bridgit Mendler, founder and CEO, Northwood Space; and Kelly Hennig, COO, Stoke Space
The next wave of space startups isn’t just building rockets — it’s building an ecosystem. The founders behind Vast, True Anomaly, Northwood, and Stoke Space share how they’re creating the infrastructure and markets that will define the commercial space era.
Image Credits:Slava Blazer Photography
Made in Space: Varda’s Plan to Build the Next Great Supply Chain
With Will Bruey, founder and CEO, Varda Space Industries
Varda is bringing manufacturing to orbit, turning microgravity into a competitive advantage. Founder and CEO Will Bruey explains how off-world production becomes a business reality, what it takes to operate in space, and why orbital factories may soon power entire industries.
Flash sale launching out of orbit on Oct 17
Don’t miss the chance to hear top voices in space tech. Register now to claim your Disrupt pass and unlock opportunities for connections, deals, and industry insights. Save up to $624 until October 17, 11:59 p.m. PT. Or bring your team and save 15-30%.
Image Credits:Slava Blazer Photography
