Investor Forum 2026

Where Capital Meets What's Next

October 6, 2026 | 1:30 PM–6:00 PM
Winston Starts | 500 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem

Join us for a day of innovation, investment opportunities, and strategic connections. The Winston Starts Investor Forum will feature startups actively raising capital, an expert panel discussion, and a lively pitch showcase with Wake Forest University entrepreneurship students. We’ll conclude the evening with a reception on the patio of the 18th floor.

Schedule

1:30 PM–1:45 PM: Opening Remarks

Welcome from Winston Starts President Mike Schmid & Title Sponsor, Bank of America

1:45 PM–3:30 PM: Fundraising Showcase

Winston Starts and Innovation Quarter companies actively raising will pitch. (15-minute break to follow)

3:45 PM–4:45 PM: Investor Panel

The Investor Perspective: A Panel Discussion comprised of three notable experts (15 minute break to follow)

4:45 PM–5:45 PM: WFU Student Pitches

Students from WFU’s School of Entrepreneurship compete in a pitch competition, with past Winston Starts Investor Forum winners as judges

Moderated by Dave Wahrhaftig, Winston Starts Board Member

5:45 PM–6:00 PM: Closing Remarks

Don Flow, Chairman of the Board

6:00 PM: Cocktail Reception

Join us for a cocktail reception on the patio of the 18th floor, home to Flow Automotive’s headquarters.

Event Moderator

Jeffrey Kaplan

CEO, Optimist Ventures

Featured Companies

Winston Starts

Alan Cox & Ron Nelson

Co-Founders

Terry Williams

CEO & Founder

Kiernan Heine & McCabe Galloway

Co-Founders

Robert Boyce

CEO

Bobbie Shrivastav

Founder & CEO

Amy Dunlap

Founder & CEO

Innovation Quarter

Casey Clark & Carlos Kengla

Co-Founders

WFU Pitch Competition Judges

Panel of Investors

Past Winners

2025

2024

2023

2022

Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsors