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Tattd Blends AI and Tattoos at TechCrunch Disrupt: A Unique Experience

Update How Tattd Merged Technology and Art at TechCrunch DisruptDuring the vibrant session of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, a tech-focused conference held in San Francisco, the often formal landscape of business networking took a playful turn. Tattd, a startup specializing in connecting tattoo seekers with artists, hosted a remarkable live tattooing event right on the convention floor. Unlike traditional pitches featuring business models, attendees witnessed a real-time demonstration of Tattd's unique ability to blend AI and art, making tattoos a talking point among startup enthusiasts.Turning a Convention into a CanvasWhile hundreds of startups showcased their innovations—ranging from robotic chefs to cutting-edge insurance solutions—Tattd transformed its booth into a functioning tattoo parlor. This creative endeavor allowed four TechCrunch writers to get inked with tech-themed designs, including pixelated cursor arrows and escape keys. TechCrunch’s own Maggie Nye, Becca Szkutak, Theresa Loconsolo, and Karyne Levy embraced memorable tattoos as part of their Disrupt experience, choosing designs that resonate with their tech-driven environment.Tattd's Unique Approach Using AIAt the heart of Tattd's service is its sophisticated AI technology, which assists clients in finding tattoo artists based on personalized preferences. The platform generates mock designs to help clients visualize their desired tattoos, and through a reverse image search, effectively connects them with artists whose styles align with those preferences. Tattd's founder, Laura Schaack, emphasizes that this innovative matchmaking process enhances the tattoo discovery experience, tackling a common pain point in the industry.The Artistic Insight Behind TattdSchaack's passion for tattooing runs deeper than just business; she herself is heavily tattooed, threading personal experience into her entrepreneurial vision. Her previous ventures give her credibility in understanding artists, as she supports them not just creatively but also as entrepreneurs through partnerships offering healthcare and financial advice. This holistic consideration exhibits Tattd’s commitment to nurturing the tattoo community.Engagement Beyond PromotionsThe strategic live activation enabled Tattd to foster genuine connections with attendees. Around 30 individuals opted for tattoos during the three-day event—serving not just as loyal customers but as walking advertisements for the Tattd brand. Each tattoo symbolizes commitment to quality, further demonstrating how effective marketing can blend fun with experiential engagement.Implications for the Future of Tattoos and TechTattd's hands-on approach at TechCrunch Disrupt reshapes how startups can engage with potential customers in unique ways. As AI's role expands in various sectors, including tattoo artistry, Tattd illustrates that it can enhance, not replace, the human creative experience. Their event proved that sometimes, the greatest connections are made not just through technology but through the art of storytelling—permanent ink on skin serves as a powerful narrative of personal expression.