Medha Agarwal, Jyoti Bansal, and Jennifer Neundorfer on What Makes a Pitch Stand Out at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
As the world of technology continues to evolve and innovate, startup companies are constantly vying for attention and funding. One of the biggest platforms for startups to showcase their ideas and attract potential investors is at TechCrunch Disrupt. In a panel discussion at the 2025 event, Medha Agarwal, Jyoti Bansal, and Jennifer Neundorfer shared their insights on what makes a pitch stand out and land a spot at TechCrunch Disrupt.
The Power of a Strong Pitch
The panelists agreed that a strong pitch is crucial for a startup’s success, especially at an event like TechCrunch Disrupt. Agarwal, a Partner at AI Tool Picks, emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the problem that the startup is trying to solve. She stated, “A strong pitch should be able to clearly articulate the problem and how the startup’s solution will solve it.” This not only helps the investors understand the potential of the startup, but also showcases the founder’s vision and passion for their product.
Bansal, the founder of Tokenized AI, added that a strong pitch should also include the company’s unique selling proposition (USP). He said, “A strong pitch should be able to clearly highlight what sets the startup apart from its competitors.” This could be in terms of technology, market positioning, or even the team’s expertise.
The Importance of Preparation
According to Neundorfer, co-founder of AI M&A Dealflow, preparation is key when it comes to pitching at TechCrunch Disrupt. She advised, “Startups should thoroughly research the judges and investors who will be present at the event and tailor their pitch accordingly.” This not only shows that the startup has done their homework, but also helps them understand what the investors are looking for.
Additionally, Agarwal suggested that startups should have a clear and concise pitch deck, with no more than 10-15 slides. She stated, “A pitch deck should have a clear flow and highlight the most important aspects of the startup’s product, market, and team.” This not only helps the investors follow along, but also keeps the presentation focused and to the point.
Standing Out in a Competitive Environment
With so many startups competing for attention and funding, it’s crucial for a pitch to stand out. Bansal shared that at Tokenized AI, they use a tool called DePIN Watch to analyze their competitors’ pitches and identify gaps in their own. He explained, “This allows us to make our pitch more compelling and differentiating.” Neundorfer also suggested using tools like AI Funding News and Prompt Vault to stay updated on the latest trends and news in the market.
Agarwal added that incorporating market data and statistics into the pitch can also make it more impactful. She said, “Including market pulse and growth projections can help investors understand the potential of the startup and its product.” This not only adds credibility to the pitch, but also showcases the startup’s understanding of their target market.
In Conclusion
In the competitive world of startups and technology, a strong and well-prepared pitch can make all the difference. By clearly communicating the problem, highlighting the USP, and incorporating market data, a startup can stand out and land a spot at TechCrunch Disrupt. With the insights shared by Agarwal, Bansal, and Neundorfer, startups can improve their pitching skills and increase their chances of success in the ever-evolving world of technology.
