The clock is ticking for founders hoping to secure a coveted spot in Startup Battlefield 200, the early-stage program that has become one of the most influential launchpads in tech. Applications and nominations close May 27, and organizers are making it clear: this is the final call.

Startup Battlefield 200 offers selected founders a rare combination of visibility and access. Two hundred early-stage companies will be chosen to appear on the Disrupt stage, where they will pitch in front of thousands of attendees, leading venture capital firms, global media and an audience of potential partners and customers. One startup will ultimately walk away with $100,000 in equity-free funding, but the program’s impact has historically extended far beyond the winner’s circle.

More than 1,700 companies have passed through Startup Battlefield over the years, collectively raising over $32 billion and generating more than 250 exits. Alumni include household names such as Dropbox, Cloudflare, Fitbit, Trello, Mint and Discord, which first appeared as a little-known gaming startup called Hammer & Chisel. In one notable example of the network’s depth, Dropbox later acquired fellow Battlefield alum DocSend.

Organizers emphasize that the program is not reserved for the most polished companies, but for the most promising ones. Pre-launch startups and teams with no revenue are encouraged to apply, provided they are building something with the potential to meaningfully change a market or create a new category. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, though some Series A startups may be considered.

For founders, the application itself is treated as a first pitch. Those who have already been nominated are being urged to complete their submissions quickly, as the final days typically bring a surge of last-minute entries. Thousands of startups apply each year, but only 200 are selected, and just 20 will advance to pitch live on the main Disrupt stage.

Organizers warn that waiting for the “perfect moment” can be a costly mistake. The program is designed for ambitious teams willing to test their ideas in public, learn from investor feedback and leverage the Battlefield network over the long term. For many alumni, simply stepping onto the stage was the inflection point that changed their trajectory.

For founders building something category-defining — or for those who know a startup that deserves the spotlight — the message is straightforward: submit nominations and complete applications before May 27.