AcceleratorCON 2026 | Connect with Accelerators, Investors & Founders
Find the people and programs that can help move your startup forward.
AcceleratorCON brings startup founders together with accelerator programs, investors, universities, and ecosystem leaders for a day of connections, practical conversations, and opportunities to grow.
Join us on Friday, October 23, in New York City to discover programs, meet potential partners, and learn directly from people building, backing, and supporting startups.
This year’s theme: AI Is the New Fire
AI is changing how companies are built—and how investors and accelerator programs evaluate them. This year’s theme explores what that shift means for founders and the organizations helping them grow.
What you’ll experience
Meet the ecosystem: Connect with accelerator teams, investors, startups, and partners through the Marketplace Expo and networking.
Learn from decision-makers: Hear perspectives on startup growth, fundraising, and innovation through stage conversations and practical sessions.
Discover university entrepreneurship: Explore the role universities play in developing founders and supporting new ventures.
Explore The Draft: Our curated matchmaking experience connects selected startups with accelerator and investor partners for one-on-one meetings.
What is The Draft?
Founders submit an application for consideration. Selected companies join the AcceleratorCON Draft Class and participate in curated meetings during the event.
The Draft requires a separate application and selection process. Purchasing a conference ticket does not guarantee selection or private investor meetings.
Who should attend?
Founders seeking connections and growth opportunities. Accelerators and investors looking to discover companies. University, government, and ecosystem leaders building stronger startup communities.
Choose your experience
Explore the ticket options above to find the access that fits your goals. Programming and benefits vary by ticket type.
October 23, 2026 · The Maison Projects · New York City
Come with a clear goal. Meet people who can help you take the next step.
2026 Speakers
Anne Blum, Program Director, C10 Labs
Daiki Nakajima, Director, JETRO
Mary Jane Durkin, COO, Tech United
Bryanna Samuels, Director, New York Ventures
Paul O'Brien, Managing Director, Publisher, and Economist, Startup Economist
John Lynn, Co-Founder, Quay
Nelly Yusupova, Founder, Techspeak
Oliver Libby, Managing Partner, H/L Ventures
Andres Barreto, Managing Director, Techstars
2026 Selection Committee
Angel Leon, Coqui Ventures
Li Ma, Quanta, Ventures fund
Raechele Smalls, Hustle Fund
Melanie Samba
Chrystee Xing, Advantary Capital Partners
Sharon Schanzer, What's Your Boulder?®
Dr. Jairo Borja, DBA, Borja Consulting Group
Dante Richardson, Offertorium Labs
Marie Roker Jones, Curious Culture
Madeleine Dawson, R4 Capital
2026 Draft League
Suzanne N. Sokolowski, The Fintech Innovation Lab
Alejandra Molina, Gen
LaToya Wilson, Morgan Stanley | Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures
Josselinne Harrington, Tech Council Ventures
Chi Achebe, Achebe Capital
Eileen Kim, New York Ventures
Kwamara Thompson, Women Invest in women
Jamal Trolman, Radix
Jaime Coleman, Novella Center for Entrepreneurship
Rita Bachkhanji, Revenge Capital
Rajan Meswani, Sidecut Ventures
Sharjeel Kashmir, HBS Alumni Angels of Greater New york
Kristen Castell, CAFE
Manuel Rinaldi, Monad Foundation, The Studio NYC
Dan Cliff, ERA
Past speakers include Tim Draper (Draper Associates), Cyan Banister (Long Journey Ventures), Alejandro Matamala Ortiz (Runway), and Iqram Magdon-Ismail (Venmo), with sponsors like JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Microsoft, Atlassian, and Cloudflare in the room.
92.6% of attendees make a meaningful connection. 200+ pre-matched meetings. 150K+ community reach.
The day at a glance
8:30 AM doors open. 9:00 AM VIP Breakfast with a special guest. 10:00 AM a conversation with our keynote. Then a full day of stages, the expo, the Draft, and networking until 6:00 PM.
Want more than a ticket?
Founders: apply to the Draft at acceleratorcon.com. Accelerators and investors: join the league. Brands: sponsor or exhibit and get in the room where the deals happen.
Grab your spot now. Early pricing won't last, and neither will the seats. See you in New York! 🗽