The article discusses the challenges faced by pre-seed founders in securing funding amid the surge of AI startups dominating seed investments.At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a panel titled 'Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product' addresses how entrepreneurs can pitch compelling ideas without tangible products, leveraging storytelling and conviction to attract investors.The session features speakers like Sandhya Venkatachalam (Axiom Partners), Puneet Agarwal (True Ventures), and Austin Clements (Slauson & Co.), who share insights on navigating the evolving startup landscape.With AI accelerating product development, founders must adapt by emphasizing vision and narrative over immediate deliverables.The event highlights broader themes of operational decision-making, fundraising strategies, and community building within the tech ecosystem.

Attendees are encouraged to secure tickets for Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, where additional workshops and networking opportunities will further explore these topics.The piece underscores the importance of resilience and innovation for early-stage startups navigating a competitive funding environment.