Polkadot at TechCrunch:
Breaking Out of the Crypto Echo Chamber

TechCrunch - 2025

Polkadot crashed the Web2 party as the only blockchain at TechCrunch Disrupt, turning a booth into a conversation starter that connected with 10,000+ mainstream tech attendees.

Out of the bubble, into the real world.

Context & Challenge

Polkadot needed to reach beyond the usual crypto crowd and position itself as serious infrastructure for mainstream tech. The challenge? Own the room at TechCrunch Disrupt (one of the biggest non-crypto tech events) as the only blockchain with a major booth presence.

Keep It Real. Make It Unmissable.

Our Approach

Created Polkadot's most vibrant presence in years at a Web2 event: A 10'x20' booth design that stopped people in their tracks, ecosystem partners rallied around unified messaging, and strategic swag that sparked conversations.

From Beanbags to Business Cards

Implementation

Claimed prime real estate at the venue's center with LED signage, a killer screen setup, and beanbags that said "stay awhile." Armed ecosystem teams with unified messaging to talk real use cases, minus the crypto-speak. Dropped strategic giveaways (InterMiami jerseys, NFL helmets) that brought people back for seconds.

TechCrunch Disrupt proves that blockchain can break out of its bubble. By meeting mainstream tech where they are—with clear messaging and standout design. Engagement and quality connections naturally follow.

Impact

240+ qualified leads

captured from AI devs, software engineers, and SaaS founders

47.7K+ organic social impressions

at 3.15% engagement rate

Only blockchain

with a major booth presence at one of tech's biggest events

Owned blockchain at TechCrunch Disrupt

Bottom Line

Attendees literally said they stopped "because of how impressive the design was." Ecosystem partners scored real connections with builders and investors outside the Web3 bubble. That's how you leave the echo chamber.

TechCrunch Disrupt proves that blockchain can break out of its bubble. By meeting mainstream tech where they are—with clear messaging and standout design. Engagement and quality connections naturally follow.