Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Forum - Washington DC (September 2026)

2026-09-23 · 08:00:00 · Washington DC

University Student Center

800 21st Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20052

CONNECTpreneur Forum in Washington DC brings together tech founders, angel investors, and venture capitalists for rocket pitches and extended morning networking.

The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Forum is a bi-monthly in-person networking mashup and rocket pitch event, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, angel investors, VCs, and emerging tech companies in the DC metro area.

Founder brief

Who should attend

Founders of emerging tech companies across AI, SaaS, healthcare tech, and deep tech looking to connect with local capital should attend. It suits entrepreneurs seeking angel or venture funding and service providers targeting early-stage businesses in the DC metro area.

What happens

The morning begins with registration and networking at 8:00 AM, followed by welcome remarks at 9:20 AM. An emerging tech company showcase and rocket pitch session runs from 9:50 AM to 10:40 AM, concluding with an investor spotlight panel and open networking until noon.

Who's in the room

Expect over 180 business leaders, including more than 75 angel and private investors. Featured speakers include Ellen Granberg, Nina Albert, Tami Howie, Anthony Millan, and Debbie Cline, alongside host Tien Wong, regional tech councils, and university entrepreneurship offices.

How to prepare

Arrive promptly at 8:00 AM to capitalize on the extended networking windows before and after the stage program. If presenting, distill your business model and traction into a concise rocket pitch that quickly communicates your core market opportunity to angels and private investors.

Organizer: CONNECTpreneur

Register

At a glance

Tickets
89.82 – 3299.56 USD
Format
Emerging tech company showcase, investor spotlight panel with 3 leading investors, and heavy networking before, during, and after the event.
Attendance
180+ business leaders, including 75+ angels and private investors · 75 investors attending
Refunds
No refunds
Sectors
AI, SaaS, Healthcare Tech, Deep Tech
Ticket options
  • Service Provider (Fully transferable)
  • Investor/Entrepreneur/CEO (Transferable only to another investor, founder or CEO)

Agenda

  1. 8:00 AM – 9:20 AM · REGISTRATION / NETWORKING
  2. 9:20 AM – 9:50 AM · WELCOME REMARKS
  3. 9:50 AM – 10:40 AM · COMPANY SHOWCASE / ROCKET PITCH
  4. 10:40 AM – 12:00 PM · NETWORKING

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • TIEN WONG — Founder and Host, CONNECTpreneur; CEO, Opus8, Inc. (Host)
  • ANTHONY MILLAN — Partner, Shulman Rogers (Speaker)
  • DEBBIE CLINE — Founder and Chief of Customer Success, Buzzy Rocket (Speaker)
  • ELLEN GRANBERG — President, The George Washington University (Speaker)
  • NINA ALBERT — Deputy Mayor, Planning and Economic Development, Government of the District of Columbia (Speaker)
  • TAMI HOWIE — Acting Deputy Associate Administrator Office of Investment and Innovation, U.S. Small Business Administration (Speaker)

Sponsors and partners

  • GW Technology Commercialization Office
  • GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • NEXT, powered by Shulman Rogers
  • BuzzyRocket
  • NFP
  • Northern Virginia Technology Council
  • Maryland Tech Council Venture Mentoring Services
  • Montgomery County Economic Development Corp.
  • CIM Securities
  • StartupGrind
  • BioBuzz
  • Blu Venture
  • Cybersecurity Association
  • Keiretsu Forum
  • Dingman Center Angels
  • MIT Alumni Angels
  • Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative
  • Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Founder Institute
  • Annual Wharton DC Summit

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