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.
🎤 Startup Pitch
We’re selecting 2–4 retail startups to pitch their ventures. This is your chance to share your vision in front of investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem partners.
Pitch Format: 3 min pitch + 2 min Q&A
Deadline: Apply by Sunday, October 19, 2025
How to Apply: Complete both this Luma registration and the pitch application form.
🗓️ 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 a VC, a startup founder, 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