Insights

RTP, NC, February 16, 2022 — The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) today announces that registration is open for the 2022 Venture Connect Summit + Celebration scheduled for April 6-7th in Research Triangle Park on the Cisco Systems Campus. 

The Summit is a traditional pitch event spotlighting scaling companies from high-growth sectors including Life Science, Technology, Food Innovation, and Agtech. It has become the premier place to connect with others in the regional ecosystem along with top investors who travel from across the U.S to meet in person.  The summit + celebration gives all its attendees direct access to innovation in the Southeast in a live format for the first time since 2019. 

What to expect at the SUMMIT this year. 

Company Pitches. Venture Connect offers companies the unique opportunity to present their scaling plans to investors and potential partners. This year Venture Connect had over 120 applications that were reviewed by a selection who will offer 84 slots to pitch live on multiple stages sharing their company goals to gain visibility and potential backing. 

Growth Stories from founders and their capital partners. Hear more about their journey to where they are today and the challenges they faced along the way. After an overwhelming response from 2021 attendees, CED will continue to emphasize stories of fellow founders to catalyze inspiration and inform solutions for companies starting down the same road.

Investor Pitches for startups seeking capital. Hear from local and out of region investors on how they are looking at dealflow, today. CED tracked $4.7B in investments made in NC companies in 2021 and there are no signs of slowing down this year. For startups looking to learn more about the people behind the investment, you won’t want to miss these interactive sessions.

In-person Networking. The Summit has historically drawn over 800 attendees and 200+ investors from across the nation. CED provides a designated meeting space for 1:1 meetings, leveraging a mobile event app that allows attendees to schedule meetings directly. Creating connections has never been easier and you will get to do it in person in 2022. 

Exclusive Investor Dinner. It’s been a tradition at Venture Connect to host out-of-town investors for an exclusive invite-only event to connect them with regional investors before the SUMMIT.  This year CED plans to host this event in downtown Durham on April 6th.  Hotel accommodations are available on the event website for further consideration. 

What’s new this year – THE CELEBRATION.

This year, CED is committed to celebrating our regional ecosystem and all the people that make it a thriving, attractive place to build a high-growth company. CED is adding an evening event, a casual tailgate-style party that will feature live entertainment, local brew and bbq. 

Everyone is invited to this outdoor event starting at 4:30 pm on April 7th. Who should attend? Startup teams and prospective talent looking to land at a startup, the entire business community of customers and partners, organizations that provide a foundation of support for entrepreneurs, and anyone else who loves innovation and being around people who are changing the world.

How to Register 

Registration has opened, February 15, and will be running a promotional rate for early purchasers through the end of the month.  Those who purchase their tickets early will secure a signature tailgate tee and other event swag. Register now, supplies are limited. 

The promotional rate is $199 for startups and $399 for general admission tickets. Regular rates begin on March 1, increasing to $249 and $499, respectively. Celebration tickets can be purchased separately and at $99. Register now.

About the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED)

CED is a not for profit support organization that was formed in 1984 by a group of business leaders wanting to empower the successful creation and growth of entrepreneurial companies in the North Carolina region. CED acts as the connective center for all of this to happen. Through high-touch support, education, access to capital, and crucial connections, CED brings entrepreneurs together with the optimal resources needed to turn a new company into a success story.