​Join us for Future of Retail: Startups x Corporates x Investors—a meetup designed for retail-focused founders to showcase ideas, connect with corporates, and meet investors. The program features startup pitches, NEC’s reverse pitch highlighting collaboration opportunities, and a fireside chat with industry experts. Attendees will gain insights into emerging retail-tech trends and explore opportunities to build partnerships, run pilots, and grow with support from NEC’s global enterprise network.

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​​🎤 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.

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​🗓️ 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

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​👥 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.

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​📢 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.

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​🌍 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

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​📸 ​Our Past Events