ETHDenver 2026 ETHVC Summit + Pitchfest (Hosted by Bufficorn Ventures + AKINDO)
ETHDenver 2026 ETHVC Summit + Pitchfest (Hosted by Bufficorn Ventures + AKINDO)
ETHDenver 2026 marks a new era.
A new venue.
A new format.
A renewed focus on real builders and real startups.
Join us on Wednesday, Feb 18 for the ETHVC Summit, 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 VC Summit (Morning): 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.
🎤 The Pitchfest (Mid-Day): 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.
🌐 Ecosystem Showcases (Afternoon): We close the day with spotlights on the applications and protocols powering that will define the 2026 landscape.
Run of Show
10:00 AM | Doors Open
11:00 AM | The Investor Sessions
1:00 PM | ETHDenver Pitchfest
3:00 PM | Ecosystem Spotlights
5:00 PM | Networking & More
(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 (Luma): 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