AI Startups x Commerce: Building What’s Next
Founders Redefining Retail, Commerce, Hospitality & Beyond
Join us for AI Startups x Commerce: Building What’s Next — a founder-focused meetup uniting startups, investors, and corporates shaping the future of commerce.
The program features startup pitches, NEC’s reverse pitch spotlighting collaboration opportunities with enterprises, and a fireside chat with industry experts.
Attendees will gain insights into emerging AI and retail-commerce trends and explore new ways to build partnerships, run pilots, and scale with support from NEC’s global enterprise network.
🎤 For Startups
Pitch slots are now closed!
The application form will remain open for startups interested in potential collaboration opportunities with NEC. Please feel free to fill out the survey and submit.
The NEC retail team may reach out to selected startups for follow-up meetings if there’s mutual interest.
🗓️ Agenda
5:30pm–6:00pm Registration & Networking
6:00pm–6:10pm Welcome
6:10pm–6:30pm Startup Pitches
6:30pm–6:40pm NEC Reverse Pitch
6:40pm–7:05pm Fireside Chat
7:05pm–8:00pm Networking with Food & Drinks
👥 Special Guest
A candid conversation bringing together perspectives from Translink Capital, NVIDIA, and NEC to explore today’s challenges, near-term opportunities, and bold visions for the next decade of retail.
📢 About Host
Elev X! is NEC X’s venture studio program supporting early-stage startups. Backed by NEC, a global technology leader, Elev X! helps founders accelerate from idea to impact through collaboration, pilots, and global connections.
In collaboration with NEC Retail Solutions Division
With experience across 170,000+ stores worldwide, NEC’s Retail Division drives operational excellence and customer experience—creating opportunities for startups to pilot and scale their innovations in real-world retail environments.
🌍 Ecosystem Partners
Elev X! has partnered with leading investors and accelerators worldwide:
✅ Carbide Ventures – Early-stage VC led by entrepreneurs who built multiple unicorns
✅ Alchemist Accelerator – A top accelerator for enterprise startups
✅ SVG Ventures | THRIVE – The leading Agri-Food Tech ecosystem
✅ ERA – One of NYC’s top startup accelerators
✅ Translink Capital – A top-tier VC with deep global networks
✅ Geodesic Capital – Multi-stage VC offering growth capital and access to Japan & Asia
…and more!
🫱🫲 Event Partner
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
ASAN