Join us on Friday, February 20 for the ETHVC Summit + Pitchfest, the premier VC and founder gathering of the week.

Hosted & Curated By

ETHDenver ETHVC Summit + Pitchfest is hosted by Bufficorn Ventures (the investment arm of ETHDenver) and AKINDO. This full-day summit brings together the most active capital allocators, the brightest founders, and the strongest ecosystem partners in Web3.

What to Expect

The day is divided into three power blocks:

🧠 The Investor Sessions: We kick off with high-impact panels, debates, and fireside chats featuring top VCs. Expect candid discussions on the "State of VC 2026," and tactical advice on navigating the raise process from pre-seed to Series A.
🌐 Ecosystem Showcases: We spotlight the applications and protocols that will define the 2026 landscape.

🎤 The Pitchfest: From hundreds of applications, fewer than 15 top startups will be selected to pitch live. These founders are competing for a prize pool (to be announced) and funding consideration from Bufficorn Ventures.

Run of Show

2:00 PM | The Investor Sessions

3:00 PM | Ecosystem Spotlights

4:00 PM | ETHDenver Pitchfest

(Full detailed agenda with speaker names to be released soon)

For Founders: How to Apply to Pitchfest

Pitchfest is designed for early-stage Web3 startups that:

Have a clear Web3 component
Have raised less than $3M in total funding
Are building a real, working product

⚠️ Application Required To be considered for the stage, you must apply via AKINDO. 👉 https://app.akindo.io/wave-hacks/Mz70AdkNoiVBqGL8

Application Deadlines & Notification Dates:

Second Deadline: Apply by Jan 15, 2026 → Notified by Jan 23.
Final Deadline: Apply by Feb 1, 2026 → Notified by Feb 6.

Please note: to pitch at ETHDenver, you must be physically present at the event.

Pitchfest Format

Selected teams will receive:

A 5-minute live pitch + Q&A on stage
Direct exposure to top-tier VCs and ecosystem leaders
Visibility during ETHVC Summit, where real fundraising conversations happen
Consideration for prizes and potential funding (details to be announced)

ETHDenver Ticket Required (Free)

Important: This event takes place inside the ETHDenver venue. To attend the ETHVC Summit and Pitchfest (as an audience member or founder), you must have a general ETHDenver 2026 ticket.

🎟️ Get your free ETHDenver ticket here: https://app.ethdenver.com/

The Recap

Why ETHDenver 2026? New Venue. New Format. Higher Standards. We are cutting the noise to focus on what matters: Builders, Founders, and Capital. The ETHVC Summit + Pitchfest is the centerpiece of this new direction—designed specifically to get real products in front of real investors.

Next Steps: How to Join

🔔 1. RSVP Here: Register on this page to receive the full ETHVC agenda drops, speaker announcements, and live updates leading up to the Summit.

🎟️ 2. Get Your Official Ticket (Required): You cannot enter the venue without a main ETHDenver 2026 pass. Get your free ticket here: https://app.ethdenver.com/

🚀 3. Founders: Apply to Pitch: Want to be on stage instead of in the crowd? Submit an application via AKINDO: https://app.akindo.io/wave-hacks/Mz70AdkNoiVBqGL8