Venture Connect 2027

Where innovation meets opportunity.

March 22-24 | DPAC, Durham, NC

$9B

Raised by companies who have been on stage

200+

VC’s + Capital sources ready to invest

1200+

In-person Summit Attendees

7200

Alumni Companies pitched onstage

Connecting Companies with Capital at Scale Putting Big Ideas in Motion Powering the Next Generation of Growth Bringing the Ecosystem Together Connecting Companies with Capital at Scale Putting Big Ideas in Motion Powering the Next Generation of Growth Bringing the Ecosystem Together

The best capital conference in the Triangle is back.

Venture Connect is the leading conference in the Southeast for scaling startups. Spotlight on: Next-Gen Hardware & Deep Tech, Software Innovation, Human Health: Biotech & Medtech, and Science for a Healthier Planet.

Purchase Tickets

We offer Early Bird, Regular, and Last Minute pricing for General Admission and Startups. See details here. If you have questions about pre-approval or member pricing, reach out to admin@cednc.org.

Purchase Tickets

What to Expect

Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking
Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking
Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking Pitches | Panels | Networking

Connect Onsite

Attend

Venture Connect brings together startups and growth-stage companies, investors, corporate and strategic partners, community resources, and others looking to build meaningful connections and accelerate growth across North Carolina.

Buy tickets now

Support Startups

Sponsor

You’re in good company as a Venture Connect sponsor. Your investment puts your brand in front of a targeted audience while fueling North Carolina’s entrepreneurial spirit. With flexible sponsorship options, you can find the opportunity that best fits your goals.

Get the details

Get Noticed

Present

Venture Connect gives scaling companies the opportunity to pitch their vision to investors, partners, customers, and talent. Selected companies will take the stage to share their story, gain visibility, and showcase the innovation driving growth across the region.

Join the waitlist

Agenda at a Glance

What to expect from Monday-Wednesday in Durham

Monday, March 22

2:00 – 4:00pm
Strength in Numbers Mixer

5:00 – 7:00pm
Kickoff Party

12pm
Event Name

1:30pm
Event Name

3pm
Event Name

Tuesday, March 23

8:30am
Opening Keynote

10:00am – 12:00pm
Company Presentations

12:00 – 1:15pm
Lunch Break

1:15 – 5:00pm
Company Presentations

6:00 – 9:00pm
Investor Dinner

Wednesday, March 24

8:30am
Opening Keynote

10:00am – 12:00pm
Company Presentations

12:00 – 1:15pm
Lunch Break

1:15 – 5:00pm
Company Presentations

5:00 – 6:00pm
Closing Party

Venture Connect was a large, well-run stage with a really engaged audience, and the structure and production allowed our pitch to come through clearly. I was the only woman pitching in my category, and winning an audience-voted award felt especially meaningful. It was encouraging to see that there is real support for women founders on stages like this.

Bethany Darragh

CCO of Theralinq

Venture Connect has meant an incredible amount to Skillmaker. It has meant a tremendous amount to our company, not only from the investors that directly came out of it, but maybe even more valuable has been the acceptance we have in the community. There’s a tremendous amount of things you’ve got to do when you’ve got a startup: hire people, generate new business, and get investment. Venture Connect was really a gateway to all of that.

Robin Cowie

CEO of Skillmaker.AI

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Summit Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Venture Connect attracts all types of resources from the entrepreneurial ecosystem that enable startups to accelerate their growth and fuels the entrepreneurial spirit in North Carolina. Sponsors include investors, professional service partners, other startups, community resources, and more. Learn more about our sponsors.

FAQs

Answers to your most frequently asked Venture Connect questions! Don’t hesitate to reach out to the CED team if we can help further.

How can I apply to pitch?

Apply here: Link coming!

I’m interested in sponsoring Venture Connect and surrounding events.

We’d love to have you! Please contact Abha Bowers and check out this video for a snapshot of last year.

Do you have special pricing for startups?

Yes! CED Member companies and past startup attendees have been pre-approved for startup pricing.

I’m interested in 5-10 tickets, do you have group bundles?

We love when attendees want to join in a group. We are happy to offer special pricing for 5+ tickets. Reach out to admin@cednc.org for more details.

I’m a student and I’d like to attend Venture Connect. Can I?

Yes! All student volunteers get free all-access tickets to the event. You can apply here.

Do you have travel tips for Durham, NC?

We recommend staying downtown near the DPAC. Hotel blocks coming soon. Here’s a list of nearby bars and restaurants.

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