TechCrunch Disrupt from October 13 to 15, 2026 in San Francisco Startup champions from across industry convened to discuss critical know-how for nascent ventures, with a particular emphasis on navigating the often turbulent waters of reaching product-market fit. Tim De Chant, senior climate reporter at TechCrunch and lecturer at MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing, was one such speaker. He was accompanied by NEA partner Ann Bordetsky and Iconiq partner Murali Joshi. Their perspectives taught us the need to think of product-market fit as an iterative and ongoing process rather than a shiny end-state.
Tim De Chant, who was awarded a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT in 2018, highlighted the evolving nature of product-market fit during his discussions at the event. He couldn’t overstate the importance of qualitative data. User feedback is vital for getting qualitative context to supplement any quantitative go-no go product-market fit metrics. By utilizing an interactive, simulated choice environment, this approach nurtures a more robust awareness of how products connect with consumers.
Murali has a PhD in environmental science, policy and management from UC Berkeley. He received a BA degree in environmental studies, English, and biology from St. Olaf College, and he offered some excellent advice on product-market fit. He posed critical questions regarding customer engagement: “How frequently are your customers engaging with the tool and the product that they’re paying for?” He emphasized the relevance of knowing the product’s place in the tech stack. He was curious, “Where does this live on the tech stack?
The speakers together repeatedly emphasized that product-market fit should be seen as a lifelong process. As Bordetsky put it, you need to have at least some product market fit in your niche to begin with. From there, work on deepening that alignment over the long haul to tap more potential. This is a departure from old school methodologies that can’t keep pace with today’s ever changing market realities.