Orange County Startup Forum 2026

Where OC startup founders meet capital, customers, and partners—live pitches, curated networking, and real opportunities to fund and grow.
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

Sectors Include:

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.