Events for March 24, 2026
Venture Connect 2026
Join CED for Venture Connect 2026, the leading conference in the Southeast for scaling startups. Spotlight on: Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech, Software Innovation, Human Health: Biotech, Tools & Therapeutics, […]
Pendominium
Doors Open | Registration, Check-In & Breakfast
Kick off your VC26 experience with registration and a light continental breakfast. Connect with fellow attendees over coffee, fuel up for an inspiring day ahead, and get ready to dive […]
Partnering & Investor Meetings
Looking to accelerate your business growth? Bookable meeting spaces are available for one-on-one conversations with investors, partners, and key ecosystem resources. Whether you’re seeking capital, strategic guidance, or industry connections, this is your […]
Sponsor Connection
Spend time connecting with our Venture Connect sponsors! Visit their booths, learn about their work, and explore ways to collaborate and build meaningful relationships.
Opening Session | Dematerialization and Rematerialization
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamVenture Connect 2026 opens with a bold framing of the venture landscape amid sweeping technological and societal change. Robert Tercek, co-founder of The Futurists Network and Nura Studios AI, explores […]
Presentation Session | Human Health — Biotech & Medtech
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamFrom ENT care to oncology, the companies in this session are redefining how medicine is practiced, delivered, and experienced. Whether through novel device engineering, AI-powered diagnostics, or breakthrough therapeutics, these […]
Presentation Session | Early-Stage Technology Companies
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamIn addition to the DPAC Stage presentations, Venture Connect features a dynamic lightning round where emerging technology companies present rapid-fire pitches.
Presentation Session | Software Innovation
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamThis session showcases software companies using artificial intelligence, automation, and modern cloud platforms to solve real-world problems across healthcare, construction, education, finance, and beyond. What unites them is a commitment […]
Presentation Session | Early-Stage Life Science Companies
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamIn addition to the DPAC Stage presentations, Venture Connect features a dynamic lightning round where emerging life science companies present rapid-fire pitches.
Biotech Investor Lunch
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, DurhamWe are excited to host an invite-only Biotech Investor Lunch during Venture Connect. This is a unique opportunity to network with fellow biotech investors over lunch and engage in insightful […]
Lunch Break | Connect & Recharge
Take a break, grab a bite, and connect organically with fellow attendees. This unscripted, unstructured lunch is your time to step outside, spark new conversations, and build relationships in a […]
Presentation Session | Science for a Healthier Planet
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamThe companies in this session are confronting some of the most pressing environmental and agricultural challenges of our time. From climate-resilient crops to next-generation water treatment and sustainable seafood, these […]
From Scale to Sale: Building Leverage Before You Need It
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamTransaction readiness isn’t a last-minute sprint—it’s the result of disciplined decisions made years earlier. In this session, Tyson Nargassans, CED Founder in Residence and CEO of Slope Software, shares hard-won […]
Is Your Board Keeping You Up at Night?
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, DurhamAt their best, Boards can be a founder's most valuable asset, providing the right level of accountability, invaluable strategic advice, and connections that lead directly to new knowledge, revenue, or […]
Presentation Session | Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamThe companies in this session are operating at the frontier of what hardware and deep technology can do. From advanced robotics and satellite systems to novel materials and semiconductor architecture, […]
Presentation Session | Early-Stage Technology Companies
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamIn addition to the DPAC Stage presentations, Venture Connect features a dynamic lightning round where emerging technology companies present rapid-fire pitches.
Tech Investor Panel
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamJoin a respected panel of growth-stage investors (moderated by Peter Franconi of Fulcrum Equity Partners) as they discuss relevant topics ranging from the capital raising environment to the prevalence of […]
Early Exits & Transaction Ready
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamGiven the long roadmaps, most life science companies are going to exit well before revenue and some exit much earlier than originally planned. How did these opportunities unfold? How did […]
Fireside Chat | Supercharge GTM in the Modern AI Landscape
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamGo to market execution is where most startups stall, and AI is changing how the best teams solve it. Kelly Breslin Wright, former President and COO of Gong and CRO […]
GrepBeat’s Venture Connect After-Party
Join GrepBeat as they hoist a glass to celebrate Venture Connect and the Triangle’s entrepreneurial spirit. Connect, unwind, and spark new ideas! RSVP required to attend: https://donorbox.org/events/914612/steps/choose_tickets
Presenting Founders’ Reception
Presenting founders are invited to join us for an exclusive reception at the end of VC26 Day 1. We hope to see you there! Thank you, Bank of America and […]
Investor Dinner (Invite-Only)
A private dinner offers a chance for our regional VCs to connect directly with out-of-region funds in an intimate setting. Please note this is an invite-only event, and does require […]