Disrupt 2026 Welcomes Blackstone’s Jas Khaira to the Team

AI startups have the potential to grow at an unprecedented rate in today’s technological landscape, a feat that would have seemed impossible just a generation ago. However, with rapid growth comes the reality that scaling AI operations can demand significant financial resources, leading founders to make funding decisions early on, often without a clear view of the future sustainability of their business.

So, what sets apart AI companies that stand the test of time from those that merely experience rapid growth?

During TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Jas Khaira, the global head of Blackstone N1, will take the stage at the “Building the Next Generation of AI Giants” event. He will delve into what Blackstone considers when supporting groundbreaking companies, how founders should approach financing as they scale, and the distinguishing factors between enduring businesses and those that fade away.

The right infusion of capital can fuel the necessary infrastructure, talent acquisition, and expansion required to stay competitive in the AI industry. However, raising funds does not automatically equate to building a resilient company.

Secure your pass to Disrupt to gain insights into how one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers evaluates companies vying to become the next big players in the AI sector. Avail a 50% discount on a pass for your co-founder, partner, colleague, or peer. Further discounts are available for groups of four or more.

AI is reshaping the financial landscape

Establishing an AI company often involves financing beyond product development and customer acquisition. Investments in compute power, data centers, and other infrastructure become significant as companies expand.

An example of the magnitude of such investments is Blackstone’s recent commitment to invest up to $600 million in primary equity in Neysa, an Indian AI infrastructure company, with plans for an additional $600 million in debt financing.

Capital is not just flowing into infrastructure but also into other areas. For instance, Anthropic’s launch of Ode with Anthropic, an AI implementation company, was backed by a $1.5 billion joint venture involving Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs, and other investors.

These investments place Blackstone at the forefront of critical discussions on AI growth, including where capital is required, which opportunities are worth pursuing, and which businesses have the potential for long-term success.

If your company is approaching a stage where substantial capital is needed for growth, make sure to secure your ticket to Disrupt and learn from Khaira’s insights on the strategic decisions involved in scaling. Additionally, save 50% on a second pass to share the knowledge with a colleague.

What sets sustainable businesses apart from fleeting success?

While rapid growth can attract customers, employees, and investors, Khaira will delve deeper into what truly sustains a business beyond the initial momentum. He will shed light on the criteria Blackstone uses to evaluate the next wave of industry-defining companies.

The need for significant financial decisions early on during periods of rapid growth is common. Founders often find themselves balancing capital raising with product development, team expansion, customer acquisition, and assessing the long-term viability of their competitive advantages.

Add “Building the Next Generation of AI Giants” to your Disrupt schedule to gain an investor’s perspective on assessing early momentum, financing growth, and strategizing for long-term success.

An investor’s outlook on the future

Having joined Blackstone in 2004, Jas Khaira now serves as the global head of Blackstone N1 and Blackstone Growth, as well as the head of tactical opportunities Americas. He sits on various investment committees within the firm and spearheaded Blackstone N1, a platform dedicated to investing in growth, hybrid, and perpetual private equity ventures in the AI ecosystem and next-generation high-growth companies.

Curious about the criteria that an investor of Blackstone’s caliber looks for before committing capital? Secure your pass to Disrupt and hear directly from Khaira on the Builders Stage. You can bring a companion along at a 50% discount on their pass.

Learning to build for long-term success

“Building the Next Generation of AI Giants” is just one of the 200+ sessions across various industry stages, roundtables, and breakout events at Disrupt, happening from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. The event is expected to draw over 10,000 founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders, along with 250+ speakers and 300+ exhibiting startups.

Aside from the sessions, attendees can engage in matchmaking, deal-making, and spontaneous networking opportunities to connect with potential investors, customers, partners, and fellow founders navigating similar challenges.

For AI founders, securing funding may be a milestone, but the real challenge lies in utilizing it to build a sustainable business. At Disrupt, Khaira will provide an investor’s perspective on this dilemma, offering founders a closer look at Blackstone’s evaluation process for companies aiming to shape the future of AI.

Secure your pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and gain valuable insights on what it takes to establish a long-lasting AI company from an investor’s viewpoint. Bring along a co-founder, colleague, partner, or peer at a 50% discounted rate, and enjoy additional discounts for groups of four or more.