Orange County Startup Forum 2026
Schedule
Thu Sep 24 2026 at 05:00 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-07:00Location
The Duck Club (IRWD) | Irvine, CA
About this Event
🔷 Orange County Startup Forum 2026
Where Founders Meet Capital, Customers, and Momentum
🚀 OverviewOrange County Startup Forum brings together ambitious founders, active investors, and industry leaders for a high-impact evening focused on capital, growth, and real opportunity.
Hosted in Irvine, this curated 3.5-hour experience is designed to go beyond surface-level networking—creating direct, meaningful access between startups and the people actively backing innovation.
With a select group of startups pitching across AI, Tech, MedTech, FinTech, Retail Tech, and more, the Forum creates a focused environment where conversations turn into partnerships.
🎯 What Makes This DifferentThis is not a crowded expo.
This is not passive networking.
👉 This is targeted access.
- Curated group of founders, investors, and operators
- Real conversations—not just business card exchanges
- Focus on funding, partnerships, and customer traction
- Built for execution—not just inspiration
💡 Who Should Attend
- Startup Founders seeking capital, feedback, and visibility
- Angel Investors & VCs looking for curated deal flow
- Corporate & Industry Leaders exploring partnerships
- Sponsors & Ecosystem Builders supporting innovation
🎤 Startup Pitch OpportunitySelected startups will:
- Pitch live to a curated audience of investors and decision-makers
- Gain direct feedback and visibility
- Build relationships that extend beyond the event
AI • SaaS • MedTech • FinTech • Retail Tech • Life Sciences • Emerging Tech
Application Required for Pitch Slots
🤝 What You Get (For Startups)
- 🎤 On-stage pitch in front of investors and industry leaders
- 🏢 Standup Display to continue conversations (limited availability)
- 📣 Brand visibility across event promotions and digital channels
- 🍸 Access to curated networking reception
- 🔁 Post-event amplification through the oGoing ecosystem
- 🌟 Select startups may be featured on oGoing and gain additional AI visibility through oGoing.ai
💼 For Sponsors & Partners
- Access to high-quality founders and curated deal flow
- Brand positioning within Orange County’s startup ecosystem
- Direct engagement with decision-makers and emerging companies
💰 Participation
- Startup Pitch Slot: Apply to Pitch (Limited spots)
- Exhibitor / Sponsor Table: Apply for Table (Only 10 available)
- General Admission: Register Now
🔷 Agenda
🕔 5:00 - 5:30 PM
*Arrival + Open Networking + Exhibitor Walkthrough
* Check-in + badge pickup
* Founders, investors, sponsors start connecting
* Light refreshments
* Exhibitor tables open
🕠 5:30 – 5:40 PM
* Opening Remarks (10 mins)
* Welcome + purpose of the forum
🕠 5:40 – 6:30 PM
🎤 Startup Pitch Session (Part 1)
* 10 startups
* 3 min pitch + 1.5 min feedback each
* Investors ask 1–2 sharp questions
🕡 6:30 – 6:50 PM
⚡ Curated Networking Break
* Investors → meet 2 startups each
🕖 6:50 – 7:30 PM
🎤 Startup Pitch Session (Part 2)
* Another 10 startups
* 3 min pitch + 1.5 min feedback each
* Investors ask 1–2 sharp questions
🕢 7:30 – 7:45 PM
🔥 Featured Conversation
👉 1-on-1 Fireside Chat
* What Investors Are Actually Funding in 2026
* From Idea to Traction: What Really Matters
🕖 7:45 – 8:10 PM
🎤 Startup Pitch Session (Part 3)
* Another 5 startups* 3 min pitch + 1.5 min feedback each
* Investors ask 1–2 sharp questions
🕢 8:10 – 8:20 PM
🏆 Startup Pitch Awards. Deal Flow Conversations
🕢 8:20 – Close
🤝 Open Networking
Irvine Ranch Water District makes its facilities available for use by residents and nonprofit organizations merely as a public service, but does not, by allowing this use, endorse or support the purpose of the event or its sponsor.
Where is it happening?
The Duck Club (IRWD), 15 Riparian View, Irvine, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
