Learn how all the elements of Startupfest come together to shape one unforgettable event; Funding, Visibility, Learning, and Connections. Startups, investors, corporate innovators, and the entire support ecosystem, converge for 3 high-impact days that feel more like a party than work.
EVENT OVERVIEW
Grand Quai de Montréal | July 8-10, 2026
Luck is a strategy. Startupfest is a better bet.
How it all fits together
*Requires a separate registration
Funding
Immediate ROI for founders in a unique festival atmosphere.
Simply by being at the event, you unlock the opportunity to pitch for up to $1M in prizes; just line up and pitch for one of the many investment prizes and grants. The investment prizes for 2026 are coming soon! See which prizes were up for grabs in 2025.
Easily connect with VCs, Angels, and accelerators. The high concentration of investors, without the crowds of a massive trade show, makes for the perfect storm.
$1M+
in investment prizes up for grabs
25%
of audience made up of investors
1:1
meeting opportunities with investors
5 à 7
curated private networking events
Visibility
Don't be inbox clutter. Get noticed.
It's time to leave the sidelines and catch some media attention. Pitch for investment prizes, record a professional pitch video, or take centre stage during open mic hours to capture a live audience. Further level up your presence by taking physical space on the Demo Floor. More info coming soon!
Think you have what it takes to be highlighted onstage in our Startup Showcase? Apply now!
Demo Floor
Take physical space to put your brand in front of the two groups you need most: the people who buy your product and the people who fund your future.
Media Exposure
Catch the eye of one of the many media outlets present on site. They're always looking for stories.
Pitch & Record
Get the opportunity to professionally record your pitch, and take the spotlight in our many competitions, showcases, and open mic hours.
Learning
The only thing that’s overproduced is the coffee.
Our world-class content is focused on imparting real knowledge from real operators, not just big names. We prioritize dirt-under-the-nails experience over the never-removes-their-sunglasses type. Our speakers and mentors geek out on their topics and are genuinely invested in molding and shaping the next generation of startups.
You'll learn from:
- Founders who’ve built and exited multiple companies.
- Investors who actually lead rounds, not just talk about them.
- Operators who obsess over specific problems—hiring, fundraising, board management, resource allocation, and more.
Explore the content tracks:
Connections
Connections that survive the hangover.
Manufactured serendipity looks a lot like the right people, in the right place, at the right time, with the right set tools to facilitate connecting.
Our structured networking activations are designed to get you in front of the people who will help you grow your business. Participate in our famed Match-Ups for a curated match, or try Braindates, a festival favourite for topic based meetings.
For more relaxed networking, connect at our hosted cocktails and parties, or venture out to discover the many Off Events scattered across vibrant and dynamic Montréal.