Aaron Levie on Box's Reinvention & AI at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Few founders can claim to have guided a single company from its nascent startup phase to a publicly traded platform while consistently maintaining its competitive edge. Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box, stands as one of these rare figures. He is set to take the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, to share invaluable insights into how he has steered Box through two decades of relentless technological evolution, ensuring its continued innovation and relevance.
Levie’s discussion will delve into the intricate process of reinvention within the confines of a public company, offering a candid look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping (and in some cases, not reshaping) the landscape of enterprise software. He will also explore the critical mindset required to remain sharp in a fast-paced industry, emphasizing the necessity of questioning established norms and even one’s most cherished ideas.
Box’s journey began before “the cloud” became a ubiquitous term, and the company has since outlasted a multitude of competitors that struggled to scale or adapt. Levie’s perspective is particularly unique, combining the visionary foresight of an early-stage founder with the pragmatic leadership experience of a long-term public company CEO. His session promises to reflect on the most challenging strategic pivots, the unforeseen developments that shaped Box’s trajectory, and the enduring philosophy needed to evolve continuously within an industry that moves at breakneck speed.
Levie played a pivotal role in defining cloud collaboration well before it became a mainstream trend, and his company continues to set industry benchmarks. This fireside chat offers a deep dive into the foundational elements required to build an enduring enterprise—one that thrives not only in product innovation but also in its organizational culture, strategic direction, and leadership mindset. Whether navigating the complexities of early-stage growth or managing the challenges of scaling a mature enterprise, attendees can anticipate actionable takeaways from a leader who has demonstrably built something designed to last.