Unpitch Summit 2026
The Unpitch Summit is a one-day conference connecting leading investors and supporters with top-tier Pre-Seed to Series A startups from across New England. Featuring companies with real traction that aren’t actively fundraising, Unpitch creates space for early relationship-building, thoughtful feedback, and strategic insight without the pressure of formal pitches.
For investors and partners, Unpitch supports pipeline development and early discovery through structured 2:1 meetings, content-driven sessions, and focused networking.
Participants gain early access to pre-screened founders from top programs, visibility into emerging technologies and business models, and meaningful opportunities to contribute expertise that helps shape future companies and investments.
Find more details: unpitch.newenglandvc.org
Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor:
The Open Accelerator bridges the "Enterprise Readiness Gap" for Massachusetts entrepreneurs. We use deep enterprise experience to provide the practical expertise needed to architect and deploy robust AI solutions, maximizing the value of open source technology. By complementing broad community engagement with a highly selective residency, we provide the credibility, expertise, and go-to-market acceleration needed to transform technical innovation into thriving startup companies in Massachusetts. Learn More Here
Host Sponsor:
BASE-X is a deep technology convener connecting operators, capital, and government around the sectors defining the next era of American strength — defense, energy, advanced manufacturing, biotech/cGMP, infrastructure, and emerging tech. We bring together the people building hard things, backing hard things, and buying hard things — and create the conditions for them to find each other, move faster, and go further. Learn More Here
Schedule of Events
10:00 AM: Registration opens, coffee & networking
11:00 AM: Opening Remarks & Speaker Session – Beyond the Check: Building Durable VC–Founder Relationships with Kristen Craft, Fidelity Private Shares, Brian Gong, Cameron VC, Jill Kravitz, Harvard Innovation Labs,
11:45 AM: Unpitch Sessions – Investor Session 1 and 2 (30-minutes each)
1:00 PM: Lunch & Speaker Session – Red Hat's AI Reality Check for Early-Stage Founders: What You Actually Need to Know
2:00 PM: Unpitch Sessions – Investor Session 3 and 4 (30-minutes each)
3:30 PM: Speaker Session – Built to Last: A Deep Tech Founder & Investor on Conviction, Patience, and Scale with Jon Chait, Partner at In-Q-Tel
4:00 PM: Final networking, event close
As Unpitch Investors, the most critical time for you to engage is from 11:45 AM - 3:15 PM ET during the Unpitch Sessions.
By registering for this event you grant the NEVCA permission to photograph and use my other media such as film and quotations, on promotional material and content.
About the Host:
The New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) is the representative body of New England’s VC community. Our mandate is simple and urgent: strengthen, connect, and advocate for the region’s venture ecosystem so New England remains a leading place to build and scale high‑impact companies.
Professional Advisors: