What Makes an Investor Say Yes? Startup Battlefield Judges Take Your Questions

What actually pushes an investor from interest to a yes? In this audience-driven session from TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, three Startup Battlefield finals judges answer candid questions on the factors that decide outcomes: team, traction, pitch delivery, and red flags. Rather than a scripted presentation, the format puts the audience in control, drawing out direct answers from the investors who make real funding decisions. The judges address what they look for, what turns them off, and how founders can strengthen the areas that matter most. For founders preparing to pitch or refine their fundraising approach, this session offers rare, unfiltered access to investor thinking — the kind of feedback usually reserved for private conversations.