THE EXPERIENCE
Now in its 41st year, Venture Connect serves as the primary connector for Tech and Biotech companies in the Southeast that are seeking capital and other resources to accelerate their growth. The two day experience is designed to endorse, catalyze and amplify quality connections that strengthen your network. Whether you attend the two-day Summit or just the closing Celebration – it will be the best investment you make this year.
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Venture Connect is a two day conference, March 26-27, 2025 with additional pre-conference events on March 25th. This year’s schedule is jam-packed featuring pitch sessions, curated and open networking, specialized discussions and much more. We leverage event technology to engage attendees early, and setup private meetings with potential partners. We will continue update our agenda as we select our featured companies and speakers, so be sure to check back for new additions!
Strength in Numbers (SIN) Mixer
5-7pm. The event is one where pioneering women in entrepreneurship and investment come together to network, share insights, and empower each other in the dynamic world of startups and venture capital. Elevate your connections and celebrate the diversity and innovation driving the future of business. We believe that diversity is the key to driving innovation, and this Female Founders, Operators, and Funders Event aims to amplify the impact of women in the entrepreneurial and investment spheres. Thank you to Aprio, Michael Best, and Pappas Capital for supporting this mission and sponsoring this event.
Attendance at this Strength in Numbers (SIN) Mixer is by invitation-only for those pitching at or attending Venture Connect 2025.
VC25 Kickoff Party
6-9pm. Join us for our second annual kick-off party welcoming Founders + Funders attending VC25 to downtown Raleigh. Thank you to Bank of America for sponsoring this event.
Attendance at this Kickoff Party is by invitation-only.
Community Events
Extracurriculars for Consideration. If you need some help deciding what to do while you are not at the Summit, here is a list of hot spots across the Triangle that the CED Team thinks you will enjoy.
CED Team Recommended Hot Spots
Summit Agenda – Day One
Day one of the summit opens at 8:00 AM with registration and networking, launching a day focused on fostering meaningful connections. The program begins at 8:30 AM, blending dynamic presentations with curated company pitches and interactive sessions designed to showcase innovation and provide actionable insights. Throughout the day, attendees can use the event app to pre-schedule valuable one-on-one meetings, maximizing opportunities to connect with peers, investors, and the broader business community. The day’s activities conclude at 4:30 PM, transitioning into evening events that further promote collaboration and relationship-building.
Investor Dinner
A private, invite-only dinner offers a chance for our regional VCs to connect directly with out of region funds in an intimate setting at an undisclosed location.
Summit Agenda – Day Two
Day two begins with the same vibrant energy as day one, starting with open networking at 8:00 AM, followed by a robust program beginning at 8:30 AM and a mix of impactful sessions throughout the day. The summit culminates with an exciting Celebration starting at 4:30 PM, featuring live music, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere to celebrate the community and the innovation that has been showcased over the two days.
Celebration
4:30p: Join us for a tailgate-style Celebration featuring local brews, BBQ and live music.
PURCHASE TICKETS
CED offers two ticket types: Startups and General Admission (aka everyone else.) You have the option to purchase a summit pass that includes entry on both days and the celebration on March 27th. OR just a ticket to the celebration. The Celebration ticket is perfect for locals who want to come out and support the local startup ecosystem.
VENTURE CONNECT
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for CED
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3QU
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL
We recommend the following hotels located in downtown Raleigh. Please note that no code is required for booking.
AC Hotel by Marriott
Downtown Raleigh
9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Marriott
Downtown Raleigh
500 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Residence Inn by Marriott
Downtown Raleigh
616 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Sheraton by Marriott
Downtown Raleigh
421 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Casso, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott
Downtown Raleigh
603 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
The Longleaf Hotel
Downtown Raleigh
300 N Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27603
PITCH
Company applications close on January 10, 2025. Stay tuned to learn about our pitching companies!
AGENDA
Full agenda coming soon!
SPONSOR
This investment will deliver immediate value in front of an audience that suits you while fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of North Carolina.
“Overall, really solid. I think CED did a great job facilitating the events. I was really impressed by the quality of each and every company that spoke as well as the support from the state of NC from a variety of programs, including the CED.”
“The event fulfilled what I expected to find…it was well orchestrated, the environment supported the intent of the summit very well, and attendee population covered the startup-venture spectrum.”
