Early-Stage Venture Summit, Powered by Florida Funders
Join us on Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 for the Early-Stage Venture Summit, Powered by Florida Funders. This annual two-day event connects early-stage tech founders with angel investors. The event kicks off with a reception, followed by a full day of interactive sessions and valuable networking opportunities. This summit is the ideal event to elevate both your startup and investment strategies.
Who is the Early-Venture Summit for?
The Early Stage Venture Summit, Powered by Florida Funders is designed for founders who are actively building and preparing to raise. This event is a strong fit if you are:
- Making less than $1M in ARR
- Working full-time on your startup
- Preparing to raise a Pre-Seed or Seed round in the near future
What do Founders walk away with?
Strategies to refine their product, build teams, and gain a deeper understanding of what Investors look for when evaluating startup opportunities.
View the official Founder Application here
What do Investors walk away with?
Connections with fellow early-stage investors, the opportunity to uncover promising early-stage startups, and a chance sharpen their investment strategies to spot the next breakthrough in Florida’s tech ecosystem.
View the official Investor Application here
Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants can expect to hear from us as decisions are made. The final application deadline is Monday, April 27, at 12:00 PM.
What's in Store?
Day 1
Doors Open + Networking
Opening Remarks
Keynote – “The State of Early-Stage Venture: Navigating a New Fundraising Reality”
Founder Presentations
Closing Session – Founder Mindset Session
Welcome Reception (Location TBA)
Day 2
Doors Open + Networking
Opening Remarks
Session – “Should You Raise Venture Capital?”
Panel Discussion – “What Early Stage Investors Look For”
Delta Airlines Remarks + Ticket Giveaway
Session – “Talent Roadmapping for Fundraising Founders”
Session – “Hacking Your Sales Pipeline: Innovative GTM Techniques for 2026”
Session – “Pricing Your Product for Early Traction”
Session “Financing Your Venture Beyond Traditional Fundraising”
Closing Remarks + Networking
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Early-Stage Venture Summit, Powered by Florida Funders
This Summit is for early-stage founders and investors (pre-seed, seed, and angel investors).
This Summit is held annually in April or May
This Summit is held in the ReliaQuest Auditorium @ Embarc Collective in downtown Tampa, located at 802 E Whiting St., Tampa, FL 33602.
There are no fees to apply for, or attend this Summit.
Parking is readily available surrounding Embarc Collective:
- Street Parking: Available alongside E Whiting St, reserved via the ParkMobile app (recommended)
- Lot Parking: Across the street at the Seven One Seven lot (126 S Jefferson St, Tampa, FL 33602)
- Garage Parking: County Center Garage (710 E Jackson St, Tampa, FL 33602)