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All Things AI

The Carolina Theatre 309 W Morgan St, Durham

Venture Connect 2026

Featured
DPAC 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

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

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts 2 E South St, Raleigh

Doors Open | Registration, Check-In & Breakfast

DPAC Floor 1 Lobby 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

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

DPAC Floor 3 Lobby 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

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

DPAC Floor 2 Lobby 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

Spend time connecting with our Venture Connect sponsors! Visit their booths, learn about their work, and explore ways to collaborate and build meaningful relationships.

Presentation Session | Human Health — Biotech & Medtech

DPAC Stage
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

From 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 | Software Innovation

DPAC Stage
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

This 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 […]

Biotech Investor Lunch

NanaSteak
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, Durham

We 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

DPAC Floor 2 Lobby 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

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
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

The 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 […]

Is Your Board Keeping You Up at Night?

NanaSteak
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, Durham

At 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
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

The 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, […]

Tech Investor Panel

DPAC Stage
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

Join 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
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham

Given 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 […]

GrepBeat’s Venture Connect After-Party

Tobacco Road Sports Cafe 280 S Mangum St #100, Durham

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

The Durham Hotel 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham

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)

Bay 7 324 Blackwell St #700, Durham

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 […]