• Strength in Numbers Mixer

    Pine and Poplar 307 S Roxboro St, Durham, NC, United States

    We're excited to see our Strength in Numbers members at Venture Connect! We'll be kicking off the summit with an invite-only Strength in Numbers Mixer on Monday, March 23th, the […]

  • Kickoff Party

    Join us as we officially kick off Venture Connect 2026 with an evening designed to energize, connect, and celebrate the entrepreneurial community. Thank you to our sponsors Baker Donelson and […]

  • Doors Open | Registration, Check-In & Breakfast

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

    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, NC, United States

    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, NC, United States

    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
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    Venture 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
    DPAC Stage 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    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, NC, United States

    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, NC, United States

    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, NC, United States

    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 […]