Investor Forum 2026
Where Capital Meets What's Next
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
Innovation Quarter
WFU Pitch Competition Judges
David Kaszycki
Co-Founder & CEO, Beam
Dave Miller
CEO & Co-Founder of mPATH Health
Dave Wahrhaftig
Moderator
Winston Starts Board Member
Leah Wyrick
Founder & CEO, Three Strands Recovery Wear
Panel of Investors
Will Hawkins
FCA Venture Partners
Red Maxwell
WSPR Fund
Sean McCroskey
Vast Ventures
Tim Mcloughlin
Cofounders Capital
Travis Milks
Topmark Partners
Graham Smith
Hatteras Venture Partners
Past Winners
2025
2024
2023
2022
Presenting Sponsor
Event Sponsors
