The Premier Accelerator &
Startup Founder Event
AI is the New Fire
- New York
- October 23rd
- Jay Conference Center, Bryant Park
GET TICKETS
GET TICKETS
APPLY TO DRAFT
SPONSOR
Schedule
8:30AM
Door Open
9:00 – 10:00 AM
VIP Breakfast with special guest!
10:00-10:30
A conversation with our Keynote
Ai is the New fire
- October 23rd
- The Maison Project
- 229 W28th St, New York, 10001
GET TICKETS
GET TICKETS
APPLY TO DRAFT
SPONSOR
Schedule
8:30AM
Door Open
9:00 – 10:00 AM
VIP Breakfast with special guest!
10:00-10:30
A conversation with our Keynote
Connecting top accelerators, VCs, and founders driving innovation
The Premier Accelerator &
Startup Founder Event
Countdown to AcceleratorCON:
Days Hours Minutes Seconds
About AcceleratorCON
AcceleratorCON is the only conference built for startups and accelerator programs to meet face-to-face. It’s where top early-stage founders connect directly with investors, accelerators, and ecosystem partners. One day, high impact — no fluff.
Expo Booths
University Pavilion
Pitch Stage
Comedy Night
Who should attend
Startup Founders
Get Discovered. Get Funded
Accelerators & VCs
Meet investable companies
Government Institutions
Drive economic impact
College & Universities
Unlock real-world opportunities
University Pavilion
As part of AcceleratorCON’s inaugural University Pavilion, this marks the first university closed-door leadership discussion, bringing together heads of innovation programs, accelerators, and entrepreneurship centers for a candid, off-record exchange.
Participants will explore the realities of cultivating founders within academic environments – what’s working, what remains most challenging, and where collaboration can elevate collective impact.
Programming includes:
- Effective models and “secret practices” for supporting university-based founders;
- Tools and systems used to facilitate entrepreneurial communities and programs;
- Approaches to engaging alumni as mentors, investors, and co-builders;
- Emerging trends shaping higher-ed innovation; and
- How AI is transforming entrepreneurship, and how universities can prepare students for this next era
Participating Universities
Past Accelerators
Why attend?
- Access to capital & accelerators
- 1:1 VC meetings
- Networking
- Learning
- Past success stories
The Draft Experience
The Draft Experience is live startup matchmaking — where accelerators and investors meet their top picks from a curated class of founders. Startups apply, get scouted, and if selected, pitch one-on-one on-site. Think sports draft, but for startups.
Get discovered, get selected, and get in the game. Startups, apply to the draft. VCs and accelerators, join the league.
apply to the draft
JoIN THE LEAGUE
How the Draft Works
Apply (ongoing)
Startups submit an application to be considered for the Draft Class.
Get Drafted (Oct 23)
Selected startups are announced as part of the Draft Class of 2025.
Big Wins
One startup wins game tickets + everyone gets featured in our official Draft 2025.
Get Scouted (Sept 15- Oct 15)
Experts review and score companies in two phases.
Meet One-on-One (Oct 23)
Founders meet with accelerators and investors at AcceleratorCON for private pitch sessions.
Get Your Tickets
GET TICKETS
GET TICKETS
APPLY TO DRAFT
SPONSOR
2025 Speakers
see all speakers
call for speakers
Sponsor & Exhibitor Info
Get in the Room Where the Deals Happen.
AcceleratorCON is where top startups, accelerators, VCs, and tech leaders gather to discover what’s next. Put your brand front and center with immersive demos, real-time deal flow, and unmatched access to decision-makers.
Custom partnerships. Targeted visibility. Serious results.
Thinking about sponsorship at AcceleratorCon? Let’s talk.
Our 2025 Sponsors
Testimonials
“The networking at AcceleratorCON, was
unmatched. I met my cofounder, and we
immediately started collaborating on
strategies that have taken our startup to
the next level.”
James B
Founder, New York, NY
“As an investor, AcceleratorCON was an
eye-opener. The focus on emerging trends
in the accelerator space and the quality of
startups made it clear where the future of
innovation is headed”
David L.
Investor, Chicago, IL
“The content was so much more than
surface-level advice. The sessions on
growth and funding were filled with real-
world examples and expert insights that
shifted how I approach business strategy”
Jasmine P.
Founder, Atlanta, C
Press
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions?
We have answers
General FAQ
AcceleratorCON is the premier conference for accelerators, startup founders, investors, universities, innovation hubs, and economic development corporations (EDCs) to connect, collaborate, and scale. It’s a curated in-person experience designed to spark new partnerships and real opportunities.
Who should attend AcceleratorCON?
Startup founders, accelerator programs, universities, economic development groups, innovation leaders, and tech ecosystem builders. If you’re focused on growing ventures or funding innovation, AcceleratorCON is for you
When and where is AcceleratorCON taking place?
AcceleratorCON takes place on Thursday, November 7, 2025 at Center 415.
415 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
Is the event in-person only or is there a virtual option?
AcceleratorCON is an in-person only experience designed for deep relationship-building.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
All tickets are final sale and non-transferable.
Yes, food will be available for purchase on-site from curated vendors.
Where can I stay during the event?
We’ll provide a list of recommended nearby hotels on our website. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging.
How do I get my company to sponsor my ticket?
We’ve created a template letter you can use to request professional development funds from your employer.
👉 Download the Sponsorship Request Letter
The Draft FAQs
What is the AcceleratorCON Draft Experience?
The Draft Experience is a one-of-a-kind opportunity where selected startups are matched for private, curated meetings with leading accelerators and VC firms. Founders receive personalized exposure to growth and funding opportunities, and may be scouted for upcoming cohorts or funding rounds. Participation includes a spot in our official Draft Class of 2025, exclusive recognition, and the potential to pitch for national opportunities — including a chance to pitch at the NFL Super Bowl event.
Who can apply for the Draft Experience?
Startups that are tech-enabled, at the pre-seed to Series A stage, and are building scalable solutions
How much does it cost to apply and how do I apply?
It’s completely free to apply. Just complete the online application by the deadline.
👉 Apply for the Draft Experience
What happens if my startup is selected?
You’ll receive a free ticket to AcceleratorCON and be scheduled for private meetings with accelerator and investor partners looking to recruit or fund startups like yours.
What if my startup is not selected?
You’ll still be eligible for a discounted ticket to attend AcceleratorCON and gain access to relevant programming, networking, and growth-stage opportunities with accelerators on-site.
What are the benefits of participating in the Draft Experience?
- Free ticket to attend AcceleratorCON
- Guaranteed private meetings with VCs and accelerator programs
- Inclusion in the Draft Class of 2025
- Opportunity to pitch for national spotlights (e.g. Super Bowl event)
- Access to exclusive founder perks and decision-maker connections
- Eligibility for potential follow-on interviews and partnerships
You must:
- Be available to attend in person on November 14, 2025
- Complete your application by October 24, 2025
- Meet early-stage tech startup criteria (pre-seed to Series A)
- Submit accurate and timely information
Partner FAQs
Can I apply to speak at AcceleratorCON?
Yes! Speaker applications are open. We welcome thought leaders with strong insights into funding, scaling, innovation, and tech ecosystems.
👉 Apply to Speak at AcceleratorCON
Will sessions be recorded and available for replay?
Yes, select sessions will be recorded and shared only with Premium and VIP pass holders.
Who should I speak to about sponsorship opportunities?
Email esosa@acceleratorcon.com or visit our Sponsor Page to complete an intake form.
How can I reserve exhibitor space or sponsor the event?
Please email hello@acceleratorcon.com for exhibitor inquiries or esosa@acceleratorcon.com for sponsorship partnerships.
I am with the media. Are complimentary media passes available?
Yes. Media professionals can request access by completing the form.
👉 Submit the Media Request Form
Can I volunteer at AcceleratorCON?
Absolutely. Volunteers play a huge role and get to experience the event for free.
General FAQ
AcceleratorCON is the premier conference for accelerators, startup founders, investors, universities, innovation hubs, and economic development corporations (EDCs) to connect, collaborate, and scale. It’s a curated in-person experience designed to spark new partnerships and real opportunities.
Who should attend AcceleratorCON?
Startup founders, accelerator programs, universities, economic development groups, innovation leaders, and tech ecosystem builders. If you’re focused on growing ventures or funding innovation, AcceleratorCON is for you
When and where is AcceleratorCON taking place?
AcceleratorCON takes place on Thursday, November 7, 2025 at Center 415.
415 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016.
Is the event in-person only or is there a virtual option?
AcceleratorCON is an in-person only experience designed for deep relationship-building.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
All tickets are final sale and non-transferable.
Yes, food will be available for purchase on-site from curated vendors.
Where can I stay during the event?
We’ll provide a list of recommended nearby hotels on our website. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging.
How do I get my company to sponsor my ticket?
We’ve created a template letter you can use to request professional development funds from your employer.
👉 Download the Sponsorship Request Letter
The Draft FAQs
What is the AcceleratorCON Draft Experience?
The Draft Experience is a one-of-a-kind opportunity where selected startups are matched for private, curated meetings with leading accelerators and VC firms. Founders receive personalized exposure to growth and funding opportunities, and may be scouted for upcoming cohorts or funding rounds. Participation includes a spot in our official Draft Class of 2025, exclusive recognition, and the potential to pitch for national opportunities — including a chance to pitch at the NFL Super Bowl event.
Who can apply for the Draft Experience?
Startups that are tech-enabled, at the pre-seed to Series A stage, and are building scalable solutions
How much does it cost to apply and how do I apply?
It’s completely free to apply. Just complete the online application by the deadline.
👉 Apply for the Draft Experience
What happens if my startup is selected?
You’ll receive a free ticket to AcceleratorCON and be scheduled for private meetings with accelerator and investor partners looking to recruit or fund startups like yours.
What if my startup is not selected?
You’ll still be eligible for a discounted ticket to attend AcceleratorCON and gain access to relevant programming, networking, and growth-stage opportunities with accelerators on-site.
What are the benefits of participating in the Draft Experience?
- Free ticket to attend AcceleratorCON
- Guaranteed private meetings with VCs and accelerator programs
- Inclusion in the Draft Class of 2025
- Opportunity to pitch for national spotlights (e.g. Super Bowl event)
- Access to exclusive founder perks and decision-maker connections
- Eligibility for potential follow-on interviews and partnerships
You must:
- Be available to attend in person on November 14, 2025
- Complete your application by October 24, 2025
- Meet early-stage tech startup criteria (pre-seed to Series A)
- Submit accurate and timely information
Partner FAQs
Can I apply to speak at AcceleratorCON?
Yes! Speaker applications are open. We welcome thought leaders with strong insights into funding, scaling, innovation, and tech ecosystems.
👉 Apply to Speak at AcceleratorCON
Will sessions be recorded and available for replay?
Yes, select sessions will be recorded and shared only with Premium and VIP pass holders.
Who should I speak to about sponsorship opportunities?
Email esosa@acceleratorcon.com or visit our Sponsor Page to complete an intake form.
How can I reserve exhibitor space or sponsor the event?
Please email hello@acceleratorcon.com for exhibitor inquiries or esosa@acceleratorcon.com for sponsorship partnerships.
I am with the media. Are complimentary media passes available?
Yes. Media professionals can request access by completing the form.
👉 Submit the Media Request Form
Can I volunteer at AcceleratorCON?
Absolutely. Volunteers play a huge role and get to experience the event for free.