Connecting Vision To Venture

  • September 29th & 30th, 2026
  • Huntington Convention Center
    Cleveland, Ohio
  • Earlybird VC Registration – Live now!*
Register

*Founder and General Admission Registration opens on July 16.

Two people shaking hands

TWO DAYS OF HIGH-IMPACT PROGRAMMING DESIGNED TO SPARK CONNECTIONS, SHOWCASE INNOVATION, AND ACCELERATE VENTURE OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE MIDWEST.

JumpStart VC Fest is the Midwest's Flagship Tech Gathering

Join more than 800 attendees, including 300+ tech founders, 150+ venture investors, angel groups, corporate innovation leaders, and startup ecosystem champions for two action-packed days of deal flow, conversations, and insight into what’s next for venture in Ohio and beyond.

Last year’s event brought together some of the nation’s most active investors from the Midwest and the coasts, along with promising startups from pre-seed to Series A and beyond. Attendees came from 164 cities, 38 states, and 10 countries, setting the stage for new investments, partnerships, and company discovery across the ecosystem.

This year is even bigger, with more founders, more investors, and more opportunities to engage with the people and companies driving the region’s innovation economy forward.

Register today to meet the founders and investors behind the Midwest’s most promising startups, discover emerging companies, connect with ecosystem leaders, and get ahead of what’s next in venture.

View The Agenda
Two women talking
  • 1:1 Curated Matchmaking*
  • Keynotes and Panel Discussions
  • Tech Startup Pitches
  • Technology Demos
  • World-Class Networking
  • Women in Tech Networking

for founders

  • Access capital and funding opportunities
  • Showcase your startup to key decision-makers
  • Connect with investors, customers, and strategic partners
  • Build meaningful relationships across the venture ecosystem

for investors

  • Access curated, high-quality deal flow
  • Discover new co-investment opportunities
  • Connect with leading investors and fund managers
  • Gain insights into emerging technologies and market trends

for corporate partners

  • Discover innovative startups and emerging technologies
  • Identify strategic partnership and pilot opportunities
  • Connect with founders, investors, and innovation leaders
  • Stay ahead of market disruption and emerging trends

Who’s coming to ohio vc fest ‘26?

Founders & Tech Entrepreneurs

VCs and Angel Investors

Corporate and University Innovation Leaders

State Leaders & Policy Makers

Advisors & Consultants

Service Providers

vc firms that participated in the past

key industries represented

Where To Stay

Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower

Located just steps away from the Huntington Convention Center, the Downtown Cleveland Marriott at Key Tower is the official hotel partner of JumpStart VC Fest.

Book your stay by September 7, to take advantage of the special $259/night group rate. Limited rooms available.

Book Your Stay