Julie Wainwright is building what comes next — join her fireside chat at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

San Francisco, CA – TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the premier gathering for startup founders, venture capitalists, and tech leaders, is set to return to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29. This year’s event promises an unparalleled look into the future of technology and entrepreneurship, featuring a must-see fireside chat with the legendary entrepreneur and e-commerce pioneer, Julie Wainwright.

Wainwright, known for her groundbreaking work and remarkable resilience, will take the stage for a candid discussion on reinvention, navigating market shifts, and her unique insights into identifying and building the next big wave. Her session is slated for the prestigious Going Public Stage, where she will unpack the real stories behind category creation and scaling businesses under immense pressure.

Attendees can expect invaluable lessons drawn from Wainwright’s extensive career, focusing on the underestimated power of experience and the critical importance of self-belief in the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you are a first-time founder seeking inspiration or a seasoned operator looking for strategic insights, this conversation is poised to be one of the highlights of Disrupt 2025.

Julie Wainwright’s career is a testament to foresight and adaptability, navigating multiple technology shifts from early personal computing to the rise of online video and e-commerce. As the visionary founder and former CEO of The RealReal, she revolutionized luxury resale, successfully taking the company public in 2019 – a rare feat that placed her among an elite group of women to lead a company through an IPO.

Today, Wainwright continues to innovate with Ahara, a personalized nutrition platform dedicated to transforming health and wellness through tailored dietary approaches. Her journey, which includes CEO roles at Berkeley Systems, Reel.com, and the iconic dot-com era Pets.com, culminated in a billion-dollar IPO and a bestselling memoir, solidifying her status as one of tech’s most dynamic and battle-tested founders.

Her accolades are extensive, including the Silicon Valley Visionary Award, a featured cover story in Forbes, and a spot on the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50 list. In 2025, Wainwright is also expanding her influence with a new podcast, “The Armchair Entrepreneurs,” designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of founders.

This session is just one of over 250 diverse sessions scheduled across five industry stages, roundtables, and breakout sessions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from one of the industry’s most influential voices. Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird savings.