Events for March 25, 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
Day Two | Doors Open & Morning Welcome
Start your second day at VC26 with registration and a light continental breakfast. Grab a coffee, reconnect with fellow attendees, and get ready for another day of impactful conversations and […]
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.
Day 2 Kickoff | Dealroom Sizes Up the Triangle Ecosystem
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamHow does the Triangle stack up against the leading startup ecosystems in the world? Dealroom CEO Yoram Wijngaarde opens with a global snapshot of venture activity, highlighting trends across capital, […]
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, […]
Student & Startup Talent Meet-Up
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamAn informal, high-energy meet-up designed to connect students, startups, and university partners in one room. Whether you're a founder looking for sharp summer talent or a student seeking a hands-on […]
Collaborative Intelligence in Action, Charting the Path Forward for your Organization
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, DurhamLed by Chloë Domergue, Human Capital Deloitte Principal, this hands-on workshop explores what collaborative intelligence between humans and AI looks like inside a real organization. The next leap in performance […]
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 […]
How Fundraising Actually Works
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamMost founders think fundraising is a pitch contest. It isn’t. It’s a structured process driven by preparation, evidence, and investor psychology. In this talk, Lesley Ross shares the playbook founders […]
Tech Investor Lunch
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, DurhamWe are excited to host an invite-only Tech Investor Lunch during Venture Connect. This is a unique opportunity to network with fellow tech 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 | 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 […]
KPMG & Launch Chapel Hill Showcase
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamLaunch Chapel Hill Powered by KPMG presents a live showcase of its inaugural cohort, featuring ten early stage AI and deeptech startups building technical, high impact solutions. Founders take the […]
The Science Leading NC’s Next Biotech Wave
NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, DurhamThe Triangle's next biotech companies are already taking shape in university labs. This session brings six faculty scientists to the stage to present discoveries at the frontier of venture formation […]
Presentation Session | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamHear from our area's youngest entrepreneurs out of the NC School of Science and Mathematics who are designing solutions to tackle global challenges.
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 Lean Startup to the One Person Unicorn
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamMost founders think “lean” means hiring slowly and using ChatGPT on the side. That’s outdated. At Ariso, Erkang Zheng works with two “teammates” every day: Ari, an AI operating partner […]
Signal or Noise: What AI in Biotech is Actually Worth
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamThis session looks at how AI is actually being evaluated in life science today. Rather than focusing on hype or predictions, the conversation will explore what makes the technology credible, […]
Ask Me Anything: Go-To-Market
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamKelly Breslin Wright returns to the stage for a live GTM Ask Me Anything following her Supercharge GTM session. This open Q&A gives founders and operators the chance to go […]
Biotech Investor Reverse Pitch
DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamHear from a few of our most engaged life sciences investors about their investment focus. These firms provide much needed funding and expertise to life sciences companies, propelling their missions […]
Early-Stage Investor Reverse Pitch
DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, DurhamEarly-stage startups navigate some of the most uncertain waters, in search of their true north star of innovation. Let’s hear it from a few of the best groups to see […]
Celebration
Don’t rush out just yet! Join us in the lobby for a celebration honoring our Venture Connect speakers and presenters. Enjoy beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks as we toast to […]