Of the hundreds of events held at Venture Mechanics each year, the Launchpad Expo series is our signature venture conference. A new Expo is held roughly every two weeks, in specific verticals such as AI, ClimateTech, Aerospace/Drone, Consumer/CPG, FinTech, Manufacturing Automation, Health Sciences, DefenseTech, AgTech/FireTech, Web3, PropTech, InsureTech, EdTech, and more.

The sequence for a Launchpad Expo event is as follows:

• Startups may begin applying two months prior to the event date, with a deadline of 4 weeks prior to the event date.
• The panelists and other assigned judges with expertise in the vertical sector will select the finalists two to three weeks before the event date.
• In the final 2-3 weeks the judges and our staff will work with the five 1st-round finalists to go through due diligence and perfect their pitches.
• Another five 2nd-round finalists will be selected.

On event day, the format is as follows:

• Doors open at 1:00pm for check-in. The audience is comprised primarily of accredited early-stage investors. Livestreaming option may be available for specific portions of the event.
• The official program begins at 2:00pm with the conference chair introducing a discussion panel or keynote speaker.
• Starting at 2:30 pm, each of the five 1st-round finalists will have a total of a half-hour on stage: a 12-minute pitch followed by an 8-minute Q&A with the judges and an 8-minute Q&A with the audience.
• At the end of the presentations there will be a digital crowdvote for best presentation, and sponsored prizes will be awarded.
• Aftwards, the 2nd-round finalists will have 3 minutes to present, with 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges. 
• The on-stage portion of the event is followed by a lively afterparty, during which time investors will be able to visit with all ten finalists at their demo tables. Light dinner and adult beverages will be served.