8:00 AM PDT · June 20, 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is happening October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, and we’re bringing the big conversations to the Builders Stage. One of the biggest? What it takes to keep building when the rules won’t stop shifting.

When global logistics meets startup agility

Flexport CEO and founder Ryan Petersen knows a thing or two about weathering change. He launched the global logistics platform in 2013 and has since helped over 10,000 companies move more than $175 billion in merchandise across the globe. Flexport has raised $2.3 billion to date and redefined how supply chains are managed in a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty.

But Petersen’s insights go beyond shipping lanes. He’s been vocal on everything from tariff policy to the rise of AI, and he doesn’t just comment from the sidelines. He famously stepped away from the CEO role in 2022, only to return less than a year later to stabilize the business and steer the next chapter of growth. Founders, take note, this is a master class in resilience, clarity, and bold leadership.

How to lead through chaos and keep building

Petersen isn’t bringing hypotheticals to the stage. He’s bringing the firsthand experience of what it means to lead through volatility, reset strategy under pressure, and navigate a market where global policy, economic cycles, and tech innovation collide. He’ll pull back the curtain to explore how Flexport stays focused when the market gets noisy, and what today’s leaders need to know about balancing long-term strategy with short-term realities.

Catch the session live on the Builders Stage, October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, part of the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt. The final session time is coming soon. Save your spot and take advantage of early pricing with up to $675 off before rates go up. Register here to lock in your ticket discount.

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