Benchmark partners unveils its vision for the future of startups at techcrunch disrupt 2026

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Benchmark Partners, a top Silicon Valley venture firm, will host its five general partners—Jack Altman, Peter Fenton, Chetan Puttagunta, Everett Randle, and Eric Vishria—in a panel titled 'What We Believe Now.' The session will explore where the next generation of startups will emerge and which assumptions founders should reconsider. Benchmark recently raised $2 billion across a $750 million flagship fund and a $1.25 billion growth fund, reflecting a strategic shift. The firm highlights AI’s rapid growth, which captured 61% of global venture capital investment in 2025, though most funding went to large deals. Cerebras, a company co-led by Benchmark, is cited as an example of early-stage investments yielding significant returns despite initial skepticism. The panel will address challenges founders face in a competitive market, emphasizing the need to build defensible businesses and navigate rapid technological change. Benchmark’s partners bring diverse experiences, from founding companies to leading IPOs and acquisitions, offering a multifaceted view of the venture landscape. The event, taking place in San Francisco from October 13–15, will provide insights into where the next big company might emerge, with registration open until September 25 to secure discounts.