We are delighted to announce that Astro Teller, the visionary leader of Alphabet’s X, also known as the Moonshot Factory, will join us as a featured speaker at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The event, scheduled for October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, promises to be an exciting and informative experience, packed with insights and discussions that you won’t want to miss. Teller, who holds the official title of Captain of Moonshots, has been at the helm of X since 2010. During his tenure, the company has tackled some of the world’s most pressing challenges, launching groundbreaking projects such as Waymo, the self-driving car initiative; Wing, a delivery drone service; and Loon, which aimed to deliver internet connectivity via high-altitude balloons. Although Loon was eventually shuttered, its ambitious goals underscore the risks and rewards that are part of aiming for significant technological breakthroughs. Teller’s impressive background is a blend of academic achievement and practical innovation. He earned a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and an undergraduate degree from Stanford, establishing himself as a formidable thinker and technologist. But his credentials extend beyond academia. Teller is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded and sold a company that developed body-monitoring wearables. He also spent several years managing a hedge fund, adding financial acumen to his repertoire. Additionally, he is an accomplished author, with both fiction and nonfiction titles to his name. For our community of founders, investors, students, and tech enthusiasts, Teller’s appearance could not be more timely. The tech landscape is rapidly evolving, with artificial intelligence redefining industries and the line between science fiction and reality becoming increasingly blurred. Teller’s philosophy on innovation, particularly his approach to embracing and learning from failures, offers invaluable guidance for those navigating the uncertainties of the startup world. He believes that failure should be swiftly acknowledged and rewarded, creating a safer environment for individuals to pivot and ultimately succeed. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will feature a deep dive into Teller’s perspective on moonshot thinking and the future of innovation. His insights on how founders can tackle larger, more complex problems and achieve meaningful impacts will be a highlight of the event. This is a unique chance to hear from one of the most influential figures in the field, and we are eager to facilitate this conversation. Don’t miss the opportunity to join us and learn from Astro Teller. Early Bird tickets for Disrupt 2025 are currently available, offering savings of up to $900. Secure your spot today while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there.