Accel, Docker and Reddis Execs join Disrupt 2024


As companies grapple with the challenge of developing a sustainable business without sacrificing their core principles, open source has evolved from a niche approach to software development into the business model of many successful tech companies. Its principles of transparency and collaboration have fueled innovation, but balancing these ideals with the practical demands of leading a profitable business operation is no easy feat.  

Industry leaders Casey Aylward, partner at Accel; Scott Johnston, CEO of Docker; and Rowan Trollope, CEO of Reddis will be on the SaaS Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 to explore the complexities of operating using an open source business model and share their views on upcoming shifts in the landscape. 

From navigating funding challenges to balancing open source contributions with proprietary offerings, our panelists will explore the tension between open access and proprietary innovation, share predictions on the shifts in the open source landscape, and discuss what it takes to build a sustainable business model in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Meet the panelists

  • Casey Aylward is a partner at Accel, focusing on early-stage investments in open source software, cloud-native infrastructure and security startups, and leveraging her technical background and investment expertise to support the next generation of innovative companies.
  • Scott Johnston is the CEO of Docker, leading the company at the forefront of containerization and modern app development and driving the open source ecosystem with a focus on balancing community values and business growth.
  • Rowan Trollope is the CEO of Redis, guiding the company as a leader in real-time data solutions and open source innovation and drawing on his extensive experience in software development and cloud computing to shape the open source landscape.

Don’t miss the chance to learn from these trailblazers as they discuss what’s next in open source as a business model at Disrupt 2024, taking place in San Francisco from October 28-30. Secure your spot here to experience this panel and join over 10,000 industry leaders in countless other discussions.

Today’s your last chance to apply for the Startup Battlefield 200


Today’s the day, startup founders. It’s your final opportunity to join Startup Battlefield 200, the world’s preeminent startup competition, at TechCrunch Disrupt in October. It’s your last chance to launch on a global stage like 900+ other Startup Battlefield companies have, including Vurb, Trello, Mint, Dropbox, Yammer, TripIt, Redbeacon, Qwiki, Getaround and Soluto.

Startup Battlefield 200 applications close today

Don’t miss your shot! Submit your application today, before this opportunity disappears at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

A reminder that applying to and participating in Startup Battlefield 200 is absolutely free and equity-free. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

What exactly do we mean by “everything to gain”? Let’s take another look at the VIP experience all SB 200 companies receive. First and foremost, this thoroughly vetted cohort earns the highly regarded TechCrunch seal of approval — which carries door-opening weight in the startup world.

Startup Battlefield 200: Bask in benefits at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Check out this bevy of free, exclusive benefits:

Full access to Disrupt: SB 200 founders attend Disrupt, receive four additional passes and VIP access to all the presentations, breakouts and roundtables.

Exhibition space: The SB 200 will be the only early-stage startups allowed to exhibit at Disrupt.

Investor interest and media exposure: Investors hunting for future unicorns and journalists looking for the next big story will beeline it for the exhibition floor to meet and greet the SB 200 founders.

Workshops and pitch training: Invitations to SB 200 founders-only workshops and masterclasses in the weeks running up to Disrupt, including special pitch training from TechCrunch staff.

Flash-pitch to investors and TC editors: That training will come in handy when you step onto the Pitch Showcase Stage. You’ll receive invaluable feedback, and you might find your way into an investor’s portfolio.

Repeat after me: Applications close today. Don’t miss your opportunity to launch on a global stage, accelerate your startup growth and maybe even win $100,000. Apply to the Startup Battlefield 200 before 11:59 p.m. PDT today. We’d love to see you in San Francisco!

Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.

Slack CEO Denise Dresser Speaking At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024


When Slack CEO Denise Dresser was handed the reins last November, she was the third CEO in less than a year at the enterprise communications company. That kind of upheaval presents its own set of difficulties. She will be joining us for a fireside chat to discuss that transition and more on the SaaS Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt, taking place on Oct 28-30 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Denise Dresser became CEO after her predecessor, Lidiane Jones, left after just 10 months on the job to become chief executive at Bumble, unable to resist the lure of running a public company. She herself had taken over after company co-founder and CEO Stewart Butterfield had exited two years after Salesforce bought the company for $28 billion.

Dresser spent more than a dozen years at Salesforce in various executive roles before being promoted to run Slack. Prior to joining Salesforce she worked at Arthur Andersen and later at Oracle. That’s a lot of enterprise expertise she brings to the table.

In an interview with TechCrunch in March, she described her leadership approach:

I ask a lot of questions, and I definitely am an accountant at heart,” she said. “So I like to be organized and I’ll continue that on, but it’s not like it’s a big pull. I think the foundation is already there, and it’s an incredibly well-run organization.

The SaaS Stage lineup, including our discussion with Denise Dresser, is taking place on Oct 29th – learn more about the event here.

About TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch Disrupt is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor seeking the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to propel your venture forward. Over 10,000 startup leaders will be attending this year’s event on October 28-30 in San Francisco.

On the SaaS Stage, we’ll uncover today’s top Software-as-a-Service tools and thought leaders to reveal insights, power productivity and allow creativity and efficiency to blossom within your organization.

We can’t wait to hear from Denise Dresser and more SaaS leaders at this year’s show. Purchase your tickets here.