Launching a new product is challenging, but doing it in a space dominated by tech giants requires bold innovation, sharp strategy, and the ability to scale quickly. TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 — taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30 — brings together three experts who are doing just that, while simultaneously addressing one of the world’s greatest challenges: climate change.
We’re thrilled to welcome Paul Lambert, founder and CEO of Quilt; Gurinder Nagra, CEO of Furno Materials; and Brigid O’Brien, managing partner at RA Capital Management to the Builder’s Stage lineup at Disrupt 2024. They’ll share the strategies that have allowed them to take on the incumbents.
They will also explore how startups can differentiate themselves, turn legacy players’ weaknesses into competitive advantages, and make the bold decisions necessary to scale in industries that haven’t changed in decades. This panel is a must-see for founders, investors, and senior executives looking to understand how to succeed in highly competitive markets.
Meet the speakers
Paul Lambert, Founder and CEO, Quilt
Drawing on his experience building successful companies and having assembled a world-class team from Google, Nest, and Tesla, Paul Lambert is now leading the charge at Quilt in developing a design-forward, smart home climate solution. With thousands of homeowners on the waitlist and $33 million in Series A funding, Quilt is on the verge of revolutionizing a market long dominated by fossil-fuel-based systems by making sustainable home heating more intuitive and efficient.
Gurinder Nagra, CEO, Furno Materials
At Furno Materials, Gurinder Nagra is reimagining cement production — one of the world’s most carbon-heavy industries. Leaning into his extensive scientific education from the University of New South Wales and Stanford University, he’s leveraging novel combustion technologies to create energy-efficient, zero-emission cement plants that are modular and compact, setting a new standard for the future of sustainable infrastructure.
Brigid O’Brien, Managing Partner, RA Capital Management
Brigid O’Brien at RA Capital Management is committed to driving investments in companies focused on planetary health. With extensive experience in decarbonizing operations at BHP, the world’s largest mining company, O’Brien brings unmatched expertise in scaling technologies that address climate challenges. At BHP Ventures, she spearheaded investments in innovative areas such as biomining, green steel, and sustainable resource extraction, positioning her at the forefront of sustainable industrial transformation.
Secure your seat at Disrupt 2024
This panel offers a rare opportunity to learn how to outmaneuver established competitors, scale innovation, and deliver transformative products in legacy industries — all while framing these activities around saving the planet. Secure your seat at Disrupt 2024 today to learn how these visionary leaders are driving the next wave of market disruption.