Inked at Startup Battlefield: TechCrunch Writers Get Tatted

Unconventional Tattoos at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

During the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event, attendees witnessed a unique sight as senior producer Maggie Nye proudly displayed her new tattoo – a pixelated cursor arrow. This unconventional choice was not limited to her, as TechCrunch’s Becca Szkutak and Theresa Loconsolo also joined in with tech-themed tattoos of their own.

Instead of visiting a trendy San Francisco tattoo shop, the trio opted for a more unusual location – the Moscone Center’s convention floor where the event was taking place. The tattoos were acquired from Tattd, a platform that transformed their booth into a mini tattoo shop amid the chaotic expo hall filled with innovative startups showcasing their products.

Tattd utilizes generative AI to create design mockups for clients, which are then matched with suitable tattoo artists based on their portfolios. This approach ensures that the final tattoo design is a collaborative and original creation between the client and the artist.

Founder Laura Schaack, with a background in operations for startups and a passion for the arts, emphasized the importance of authenticity in the tattoo industry. She believes that having a personal connection to tattoos is essential for success in the field.

Before founding Tattd, Schaack’s journey led her through various startups, ultimately culminating in a platform that supports both artists and clients in the tattoo industry. With over 900 artists on board, Tattd also provides resources for artists to access healthcare and financial guidance.

Throughout the three days of TechCrunch Disrupt, approximately 30 individuals opted to get tattoos, showcasing their unique styles and preferences. Despite the presence of a TechCrunch logo on the flash sheet, no one chose to immortalize their love for the brand through ink.