Scenes from TechCrunch Disrupt

The article provides a vivid snapshot of key moments and personalities at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt event, highlighting the energy and diversity of discussions that took place. Notable speakers included Vinod Khosla, who challenged the notion that AI’s energy demands will doom climate efforts, emphasizing near-term potential for geothermal energy and expressing nuanced political views. Sequoia partner Roelof Botha offered practical advice to startup founders on fundraising timing and cautioned about government ownership in startups. The Battlefield competition winner, Kevin Damoa of Glīd Technologies, was celebrated, underscoring the event’s role in spotlighting emerging startups. Other highlights featured entrepreneurs and industry leaders sharing insights and sparking conversations. Roy Lee of Cluely entertained with unconventional marketing wisdom, while former NBA player Tristan Thompson discussed the integrity of web3 platforms tied to sports tokens, raising provocative questions about the NBA’s referees. Wayve CEO Alex Kendall revealed ongoing talks for a major funding round, signaling strong investor interest in autonomous