At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025[1], we’re bringing to the Builders Stage[2] three people who helped shape the modern internet. On October 28, Adam Bain, Dick Costolo, and David Fischer — now at 01 Advisors[3] — will sit down for an exclusive fireside chat on what it takes to build, scale, and fund startups in today’s ever-shifting landscape.
Before they were backing breakout companies like Tipalti and SpotOn, they were the operators behind some of tech’s most iconic companies.
David Fischer[4] — Former CRO at Meta, Fischer scaled annual revenue from less than $1 billion to over $100 billion, connecting 200 million businesses with customers worldwide. Earlier, he built Google’s early sales engine.
Adam Bain[5] — Former COO of Twitter, Bain built its sales, product, and ad operations from scratch, growing revenue from millions to billions in five years.
Dick Costolo[6] — Former CEO of Twitter, Costolo scaled headcount 400% and boosted annual revenue from $28 million to $2.25 billion. Earlier, he founded Feedburner (acquired by Google).
Inside the fireside: Scaling, funding, and what’s next
This conversation isn’t just about what they’ve done — it’s about where they believe tech is headed next. Expect insights on finding product-market fit, scaling with intention, fundraising in today’s market, and what they look for when backing founders through 01A.
If you’re building a company — or betting on one — this is your blueprint for doing it with staying power. Join 10,000+ startup, tech, and VC leaders October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco for Disrupt’s 20th anniversary. Register today and save[7] up to $668 before rates increase on September 27.
Techcrunch event
San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025
References
- ^ TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 (techcrunch.com)
- ^ Builders Stage (techcrunch.com)
- ^ 01 Advisors (01a.com)
- ^ David Fischer (www.linkedin.com)
- ^ Adam Bain (www.linkedin.com)
- ^ Dick Costolo (www.linkedin.com)
- ^ Register today and save (techcrunch.com)