Upcoming event · Round 21
AI Founders Connect Hosted by Cornell Tech & Empire State Development - Round 21
Cornell Tech, 34 North Loop Road, New York, NY 10044
AI Founders Connect
Pitch your business. Meet investors. Explore the next opportunity.
Meet AI founders, investors and advisers through startup pitches and investor panels. Choose an edition that fits your funding stage, investment focus or commercial priorities.
What’s coming up
Attend. Apply to pitch. Contribute.
Attend. Choose an event and register through its official listing. Check the format, location and ticket details before booking. View the event, then book through its official Eventbrite listing when announced.
Our events are organised by a volunteer-led, not-for-profit network. Ticket income helps cover event costs. We do not sell investor access or pitch selection.
Apply to pitch. Tell us what you’re building and why this edition is a good fit. Applications are reviewed against the programme and available capacity. Applying is not acceptance.
Make the ask concrete. Explain what you are building, what the next stage requires and the evidence behind your plan. The programme is shaped by relevance and available capacity—not by purchasing a pitch slot.
Speak or contribute. Bring practical experience in fundraising, investment, commercial growth, partnerships or exits. Tell us what founders could learn from your work.
Support an event. Explore relevant sponsorship, venue or in-kind support. We agree the scope separately and describe relationships clearly.
Every edition has its own story
Explore earlier pitches, investor panels and the business conversations behind our event series. At Cornell Tech on 23 April 2026, eight startups presented their work; the Round 18 story lets you meet those founders and the panel. Each future edition will have its own confirmed format.
Prepare the business case behind your next pitch. Founder Support includes monthly office hours and focused feedback on your deck or business document. Pay $200/month for your first 3 monthly billing periods, then $500/month. Prices are in USD, including applicable tax. Paid support does not influence pitch selection.
Meet the organisers and their professional network
Explore the people behind AIFC and our wider Westminster network before deciding to participate.