Join us for the pre-eminent venture conference for AI startups in the Puget Sound region, as ten top-grade startups compete for investment from angel investors and venture capitalists in the audience.

After a rigorous due diligence vetting process, five of the startups will each receive a total of 28 minutes of stage time: a 12-minute pitch followed by an 8-minute Q&A with our expert investors panel, and then an 8-minute Q&A with LPs in the audience. 

This is followed by five runner-ups that'll each have 3 minutes to pitch their deals and get investors to come to their demo tables during the afterparty. Founders of all ten companies presenting will be available to mingle with investors all evening, after the main event. 

The event will lead off with a vibrant panel discussion on the latest developments in the AI field, and specifically how they relate to investment opportunities. 

​Conference Chair:

Aloke Gupta, MD at aiStratco and S2MG

​Panelists:

Ken Morimoto, MP at MVP and Leading Edge Ventures

Greg Coquillo, AI Product @Amazon and Angel Investor

Mark Taylor, Alliance of Angels AI Committee​ Co-Chair

Presenting Companies:

TBA after Oct 25th, 2024

(Apply to pitch - open until Oct 21st, 2024)

The sequence for a Launchpad Expo event is as follows:

• Startups may apply to present up until October 14th. Finalists will be selected by October 18th. 
• In the final 2-3 weeks the panelists and our staff will work with the five top-ranked startups to go through final due diligence and perfect their pitches

On event day, the format is as follows:

• Doors open at 1:30pm for check-in. Live attendance capped at 100 people. Audience comprised primarily of accredited investors. Livestreaming option may be available for specific events.
• The official program begins at 2:15pm with the conference chair introducing the panelists and leading off a discussion panel.
• Starting at 2:30 pm, each of the five companies will have a total of a half-hour on stage: a 12-minute pitch followed by an 8-minute Q&A with the panelists and an 8-minute Q&A with the audience
• At the end of the first round presentations there will be a digital crowdvote for best presentation, in addition to the expert panels' vote.
• Starting at 5:15pm, each of the five runner-ups will have time for a 3-minute pitch to draw investors to their demo tables for a deeper look.
• Networking reception will begin at 5:45pm. Light dinner and beverages (incl. beer and wine) will be provided. Attendees are welcome to stay for the afterparty and meet with all ten founder teams at their demo stations, which usually lasts several hours.