TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Blackstone’s Jas Khaira on Building the Next AI Giant
The pace at which AI startups grow is unimaginable to the previous generation. Yet, rapid growth comes with another reality: scaling AI requires massive amounts of capital, forcing founders to make financing decisions long before they can determine whether early momentum will translate into a lasting business.
So, what exactly distinguishes AI companies built for the long haul from those that merely grow rapidly?
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Jas Kaila, Global Head of N1 at Blackstone, will take the stage to discuss “Building the Next Generation of AI Giants.” He will share insights into what Blackstone looks for when investing in industry-defining companies, how founders should approach capital considerations as they scale, and the distinctions between enduring enterprises and those that merely achieve early market validation.
Ample capital provides the infrastructure, talent, and expansion funds a company needs to compete. However, raising more capital is not the same as building a stronger company.
Purchase your Disrupt tickets now to hear how one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers evaluates companies striving to become the next giants of the AI industry. Bring your co-founder, partner, colleague, or peer to get 50% off your tickets, or enjoy additional discounts for groups of four or more.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the capital landscape.
Building an artificial intelligence company requires capital investment that extends well beyond product development and customer acquisition. As the company grows, computing resources, data centers, and other infrastructure drive up capital requirements significantly.
A recent investment by Blackstone illustrates the scale of such funding. Blackstone and its co-investors have agreed to invest up to $600 million in Neysa, an Indian AI infrastructure company, through a primary equity investment. Neysa plans to raise an additional $600 million in debt financing.
Capital is flowing into areas beyond infrastructure. This July, Anthropic launched “Ode with Anthropic,” an AI application company backed by a $1.5 billion joint venture involving Anthropic, Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, and Goldman Sachs.
These investments give Blackstone insight into some of the most critical questions surrounding AI growth: where capital is needed, which opportunities are worth backing, and which companies have long-term potential.
If your company is approaching a stage where growth requires significant capital investment, grab your tickets to the Disrupt conference now to hear Khaira’s perspective on the decisions involved in scaling. Buy a second ticket at 50% off and share the insights with a colleague.
What distinguishes momentum from staying power?
Rapid growth attracts customers, employees, and investors. Kayla examines the fundamental drivers of enduring corporate success and the factors Blackstone considers when evaluating the next generation of industry-defining companies.
Rapid growth may force founders to make critical financing decisions early on. They often have to raise capital while simultaneously developing products, building teams, competing for customers, and assessing whether the strengths driving their current growth can stand the test of time.
Add “Building the Next AI Giant” to your Disrupt agenda to evaluate early-stage momentum, finance growth, and prepare for long-term success—all from an investor’s perspective.
Investors’ views on the future outlook
Jas Khaira joined Blackstone in 2004 and currently serves as Global Head of Blackstone N1 and Blackstone Growth, as well as Head of Tactical Opportunities for the Americas. He sits on several of the firm’s investment committees and founded Blackstone N1, a platform focused on growth, hybrid, and perpetual private equity investments in the AI ecosystem and next-generation high-growth companies.
Curious about what an investor of Blackstone’s scale looks for before deploying capital? Purchase your Disrupt pass today to hear Khaira speak on the Builders Stage. You can also bring a friend and get 50% off your passes to share in these valuable insights together.
Learn how to prepare for growth beyond the initial momentum.
“Building the Next-Gen AI Giant” is one of over 200 sessions—spanning industry stages, roundtables, and breakout discussions—taking place at Disrupt from October 13–15 at the Moscone West convention center in San Francisco. The event is expected to draw more than 10,000 founders, investors, operators, and tech leaders, featuring over 250 speakers and more than 300 exhibiting startups.
Additionally, matchmaking, deal-making, and impromptu networking opportunities allow attendees to connect with potential investors, customers, and partners, as well as fellow founders facing similar challenges.
For AI founders, raising capital may be just one milestone; the greater challenge lies in leveraging those funds to build a company capable of long-term success. At Disrupt, Khaira will explore this topic from an investor’s perspective, offering founders deeper insight into what Blackstone looks for when evaluating companies aiming to define the next generation of AI.
Secure your tickets for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 now to learn how to build a sustainable AI company from an investor’s point of view. Bring a co-founder, colleague, partner, or peer to save 50% on tickets. Groups of four or more are eligible for additional discounts.