​Venture Signal Founder & Investor Exchange

​Conversations, company building, and meaningful connections.

​Featured Conversation: How Do VCs Evaluate Early-Stage Startups?

​📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026
⏰ 1:30–3:00 PM ET
📍 Address provided to registered participants
🚗 Complimentary parking available

​About the Event

​Join us for a small, conversational gathering of founders, investors, aspiring investors, scientists, and innovation professionals.

​The session will include:

• ​Structured introductions and relationship-building

• ​Mark Zheng’s perspective on how VCs evaluate early-stage startups

• ​Practical insights from his VU Venture Partners experience

• ​One featured startup presentation and group discussion

​We will explore market potential, timing, differentiation, evidence, team, and financing readiness.

​Apply to Present

​We are inviting one early-stage startup to present its work and receive constructive questions and feedback.

​Apply for the startup presentation slot

​The selected founder will be contacted before the event. Participation does not imply endorsement or investment consideration.

​Who Should Attend?

​Founders, current and aspiring investors, scientists, executives, researchers, and others interested in startups, innovation, and venture capital.

​About the Host

​Mark Zheng is a Venture Partner with VU Venture Partners and founder of Venture Signal, a TopContenders Network initiative connecting founders, investors, and industry experts through focused innovation programs.

​Registration

​Attendance is complimentary, but advance registration is required. Please come prepared to briefly introduce yourself and share what you are working on, what you are seeking, or how you may be able to help others.

​Disclosures

​This event is for educational and networking purposes and does not constitute investment, legal, tax, or financial advice.

​Photos or brief recordings may be taken for event recap and promotional use. Please notify the organizer if you prefer not to be included.

​Hosted by Venture Signal
A TopContenders Network initiative