March 20, 2025
A Look At The Event
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:00 pm | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 1:30 pm | Spotlight: Past Winners |
| 2:00 pm | Pre-Revenue Stage Pitches |
| 3:15 pm | Revenue Stage Pitches |
| 5:00 pm | Winner Ceremony |
| 5:15 pm | Reception & Visit Founder Tables |
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 competition with Wake Forest University entrepreneurship students. We’ll conclude the evening with a reception on the patio of the 18th floor.
Schedule
12:00 PM–1:00 PM
A private lunch with a small group of investors for an informal discussion and updates.
1:00 PM–1:15 PM: Opening Remarks
Welcome from Winston Starts President & Title Sponsor, Bank of America
1:15 PM–2:45 PM: Fundraising Showcase
Winston Starts and Innovation Quarter companies who are actively raising will pitch to an audience of investors and the general public.
2:45 PM–3:45 PM
The Investor Perspective: A Panel Discussion comprised of three notable experts (15 minute break to follow)
2:45 PM–3:45 PM
The Investor Perspective: A Panel Discussion comprised of three notable experts (15 minute break to follow)
4:00 PM–5:15 PM: WFU Student Pitches, sponsored by Flow Automotive
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
5:15 PM–5:30 PM: Closing Remarks—Don Flow, Chairman of the Board
5:30 PM–6:30 PM: Cocktail Reception
Join us for a cocktail reception on the patio of the 18th floor, home to Flow Automotive’s headquarters.
Featured Companies
Winston Starts
Innovation Quarter
Moderator
Dave Wahrhaftig
Winston Starts Board Member
WFU Pitch Competition Judges
David Kaszycki
Co-Founder & CEO, Beam
Leah Wyrick
Founder & CEO, Three Strands Recovery Wear
Panel of Investors
Eva Doss
President & CEO, The Launch Place
David Jones
General Partner, Bull City Venture Partners
Jill Kaplan
Investor & Mentor, Xelle Ventures
Zakiya Alta Lee
Senior Associate, IDEA Fund Partners
Joe Mancini
Co-Founder and General Partner, Front Porch Venture Partners
Timothy McLoughlin
Managing Partner, Cofounders Capital
Lou Anne Flanders Stec
Fund Executive, First Launch Capital Fund
Past Winners
2025
2024
2023
2022
Presenting Sponsor
Event Sponsors
