Step SF 2026: The AI & Tech Startup Festival
Step returns to San Francisco on 27 August 2026 at The Midway for the third edition of Step SF - bringing founders, investors, builders, and operators building the next wave of the AI economy.
From frontier models and autonomous systems to real-world applications transforming industries, this is where ambitious builders meet the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping the future of tech. Expect a dynamic day of unfiltered conversations, live product showcases, and powerful networking across the entire venue.
🎙️ Featured Lineup
We’re building a speaker lineup of the people actually shaping what’s next. Here’s a sneak peek at who is taking the stage, and this is just the start!
Here’s what to expect:
Inspiring Talks: Main stage panels and deep dives featuring the visionary founders, investors, and leaders shaping the tech landscape.
The Expo Floor: Get hands-on with the next generation of intelligent tools, platforms, and systems.
💡 Interested in exhibiting your product? Get in touch with the team.
Step SF Is Not Your Average Tech Event
Forget rigid agendas. Step runs on a completely different frequency:
Spontaneous Connections: Skip formal networking rooms, a casual chat in the courtyard easily sparks your next partnership or investment.
Tailored to You: Dive straight into the specific tracks that match your focus and leave with true momentum.
🤝 Founders Meet Backers
Step SF bridges the gap between raw innovation and the capital needed to scale it.
1-on-1 Meetings: Pre-matched, face-to-face chats between founders and VCs ready to back what's next.
Demo Kiosks: Your own dedicated space on the floor to get hands-on with active investors, partners, and early adopters.
Mentorship Roundtables: Intimate, off-the-record deep dives with experienced operators who have actually scaled.
The Pitch Stage: Selected showcase startups get the mic to pitch live to a panel of top-tier investors.
🎯 Want to showcase your startup? Apply here
Getting to The Midway
We’re taking over The Midway in the Dogpatch. Street parking is nonexistent, skip the car and keep it simple:
Public Transit: Muni Metro (T-Third Line) or Caltrain get you right nearby.
Rideshare & Bikes: Uber, Lyft, or two wheels offer the easiest direct drop-off.
From SFO: A quick 20-minute drive, or take BART followed by a short connection.