Disrupt 2025: Top VCs and Founders Share Secrets to Achieving Product-Market Fit

The Quest for Product-Market Fit: Insights from the Front Lines of Innovation As I stepped into the bustling halls of Moscone West in San Francisco, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. The air was electric with anticipation as founders, investors, and innovators gathered for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Amidst the chaos, three industry leaders stood out – Rajat Bhageria from Chef Robotics, Ann Bordetsky from NEA, and Murali Joshi from ICONIQ – all of whom had achieved remarkable success in their respective domains. Their mission? To demystify the elusive concept of product-market fit, a milestone that has confounded entrepreneurs for decades. The Unrelenting Pursuit Rajat Bhageria's journey with Chef Robotics is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. His AI-powered automation solutions are transforming food production, but it wasn't always smooth sailing. "We've had our fair share of setbacks," he admits candidly. "But we've learned to be agile, to iterate quickly, and to listen to our users without getting lost in the noise." This mantra has served him well, as Chef Robotics continues to scale and disrupt an industry ripe for disruption. The Art of Listening Ann Bordetsky, a seasoned partner at NEA, has spent years studying the habits of successful founders. Her experience at Uber and Twitter has given her a unique perspective on what drives breakout success. "It's not just about building a product; it's about understanding your users' needs," she emphasizes. "You need to be willing to take risks, to experiment, and to learn from failure." Bordetsky's words of wisdom are music to the ears of founders struggling to find their footing. The Midas Touch Murali Joshi, a Forbes Midas Brink List honoree, has invested over $2.5 billion in companies like Drata, 1Password, and Fivetran. His keen eye for innovation has helped him spot opportunities that others often miss. "Product-market fit is not a milestone; it's a journey," he stresses. "You need to be willing to adapt, to pivot, and to iterate in real-time." Joshi's insights are invaluable, offering a rare glimpse into the minds of seasoned investors. The Builders Stage: A Rare Opportunity At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, these three industry leaders will share their expertise on the Builders Stage. They'll delve into smart testing strategies, real-time iteration, and the art of listening to users without getting lost in the noise. This is a rare opportunity for founders to gain actionable insights from those who have been there, done that. The Bottom Line In a world where innovation is accelerating at breakneck speed, finding product-market fit has never been more critical. The stakes are high, but with the right guidance, entrepreneurs can navigate this treacherous terrain and emerge victorious. As Rajat Bhageria so aptly puts it, "Build something customers can't live without." It's a mantra that resonates deeply, a reminder that innovation is not just about building products; it's about creating solutions that transform lives. Don't Miss Out TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is your chance to learn from the best in the business. Register now and save up to $668 before tomorrow ends. Join Rajat Bhageria, Ann Bordetsky, and Murali Joshi on the Builders Stage as they share their insights on product-market fit. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss. *Based on reporting by Techcrunch.*