• Is Your Board Keeping You Up at Night?

    NanaSteak
    NanaSteak 345 Blackwell St, Durham, NC, United States

    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 talent. But at their worst, Boards can create distraction and overhead, apply unhealthy pressure, or even become an impediment to the company's success. In this […]

  • Presentation Session | Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech

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

    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, these innovators are building the physical and computational infrastructure of tomorrow.

  • Tech Investor Panel

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

    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 AI in software business models.

  • Early Exits & Transaction Ready

    DPAC President’s Club
    DPAC President's Club 123 William V Bill Bell Wy, Durham, NC, United States

    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 you prepare? What do you wish you had done differently? Join us for an exciting fireside chat with exited founders sharing insights from their journeys. […]

  • Fireside Chat | Supercharge GTM in the Modern AI Landscape

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

    Go 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 of Tableau, joins Susan Cook, former CEO of Zaloni and CEO of DAS42, for a candid conversation on building high performing GTM engines. They will […]

  • GrepBeat’s Venture Connect After-Party

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

    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, NC, United States

    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 Canopy, for sponsoring this event.

  • Investor Dinner (Invite-Only)

    Bay 7 324 Blackwell St #700, Durham, NC, United States

    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 an RSVP. A special thank you to EisnerAmper, Hutchison PLLC, & JP Morgan for sponsoring this event.

  • Day Two | Doors Open & Morning Welcome

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

    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 game-changing connections. Doors open early—let’s dive back in!

  • 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 chance to forge valuable relationships that drive your startup forward. Schedule your meetings and make every moment count!

  • 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.