Launchpad Expo Venture Conference: DefenseTech & Aerospace
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/CleanTech, FinTech, Manufacturing Automation, Health Sciences, DefenseTech, AgTech, Web3, Drone/Aerospace, CPG, FireTech, 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 5 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 panelists and our staff will work with the five top-ranked startups to go through final due diligence and perfect their pitches
Up to five semi-finalists will be given the opportunity to have a demo table at the event, without an on-stage presentation
On event day, the format is as follows:
Doors open at 1:30pm for check-in. Live attendance capped at 100 people. Audience comprised primarily of accredited investors. Livestreaming option may be available for specific events.
The official program begins at 2:15pm with the conference chair introducing the panelists
Starting at 2:30 pm, each of the five companies will have a total of a half-hour on stage: a 12-minute pitch followed by an 8-minute Q&A with the panelists 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
Networking reception will begin at 5:15pm. Light dinner and beverages (incl. beer and wine) will be provided. Attendees are welcome to stay for the afterparty, which usually lasts several hours.
After the panel, the five top-ranking startups will have the opportunity to present on-stage for 28 minutes. Their 12 minute pitches will be followed by 8 minutes of Q&A with the industry expert panel, and 8 minutes of Q&A with the LPs in the audience.
The next five top-ranking startups will have the opportunity to pitch for three minutes, and invite investors to come learn more about their companies at their demo tables during the afterparty.
The event is followed up with a networking mixer at which dinner and beverages will be served, and investors can mingle with each other and visit with the ten demonstrating companies at their tables. Note that the afterparty often lasts several hours.
Co-chairs:
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Ron Wiener, 39-year startup veteran and CEO of Venture Mechanics
Panelists:
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Event Day Schedule
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