Conference Schedule

Check-in & Breakfast

Come enjoy breakfast on us and grab a seat in the room early on! VCs and startup founders will recieve nametags and be introduced to their organizer liasons for the day.

Keynote Speakers

David Brophy & Benjamin Ehrlich

Great ideas need the right backing to thrive. Kick off the conference with two dynamic keynote speakers sharing their unique journeys through tech and venture. David Brophy, director of the Midwest Growth Capital Symposium, the longest running VC market intervention for growth companies, will provide insight into the past, present, and future of VC. Benjamin Ehrlich, VP at Collaborative Fund who has personally raised $1 billion for startups and VCs, will speak upon fundraising in a fireside chat-format.

Startup Pitches & Presentations

Innovative ideas take the stage as founders showcase their startups to investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. From cutting-edge tech to game-changing business models, this is your chance to see the next big thing before it takes off. Whether you're looking to invest, collaborate, or just get inspired, these pitches offer a firsthand look at the future of innovation.

Catered Lunch Break

Take a break, grab a bite, and connect with fellow attendees over a delicious catered lunch. Whether you're diving into a deep conversation with investors, brainstorming with founders, or just recharging for the afternoon sessions, this is the perfect time to network, unwind, and fuel up for what's next.

General Industry Panel

Dive into an engaging panel where VCs will speak upon their experiences and thoughts upon the selected industry topic. Panel topic is currently TBD.

Open Networking

Take some time to network with the attending VCs and startups! You'll have the opportunity to meet some cool people building and investing in some of the world's most innovative sectors.

Startup-VC Meetings, Coffee Chats, Investment Thesis Workshop

Founders and investors come together for one-on-one meetings and coffee chats designed to spark connections and potential deals. Whether you're pitching your startup, scouting investment opportunities, or exchanging insights with industry peers, this session is all about building relationships that drive innovation forward. Students will have the opportunity for VC coffee chats and will also be provided with a hands-on workshop demonstrating exactly what an investment thesis entails in preparation for writing their pitches.