About this Event
🔷 Orange County Startup Forum 2026
Where Founders Meet Capital, Customers, and Momentum
🚀 OverviewOrange County Startup Forum brings together ambitious founders, active investors, and industry leaders for a high-impact evening focused on capital, growth, and real opportunity.
Hosted in Irvine, this curated 3.5-hour experience is designed to go beyond surface-level networking—creating direct, meaningful access between startups and the people actively backing innovation.
With a select group of startups pitching across AI, Tech, MedTech, FinTech, Retail Tech, and more, the Forum creates a focused environment where conversations turn into partnerships.
🎯 What Makes This DifferentThis is not a crowded expo.
This is not passive networking.
👉 This is targeted access.
- Curated group of founders, investors, and operators
- Real conversations—not just business card exchanges
- Focus on funding, partnerships, and customer traction
- Built for execution—not just inspiration
💡 Who Should Attend
- Startup Founders seeking capital, feedback, and visibility
- Angel Investors & VCs looking for curated deal flow
- Corporate & Industry Leaders exploring partnerships
- Sponsors & Ecosystem Builders supporting innovation
🎤 Startup Pitch OpportunitySelected startups will:
- Pitch live to a curated audience of investors and decision-makers
- Gain direct feedback and visibility
- Build relationships that extend beyond the event
AI • SaaS • MedTech • FinTech • Retail Tech • Life Sciences • Emerging Tech
Application Required for Pitch Slots
🤝 What You Get (For Startups)
- 🎤 On-stage pitch in front of investors and industry leaders
- 🏢 Standup Display to continue conversations (limited availability)
- 📣 Brand visibility across event promotions and digital channels
- 🍸 Access to curated networking reception
- 🔁 Post-event amplification through the oGoing ecosystem
- 🌟 Select startups may be featured on oGoing and gain additional AI visibility through oGoing.ai
💼 For Sponsors & Partners
- Access to high-quality founders and curated deal flow
- Brand positioning within Orange County’s startup ecosystem
- Direct engagement with decision-makers and emerging companies
💰 Participation
- Startup Pitch Slot: Apply to Pitch (Limited spots)
- Exhibitor / Sponsor Table: Apply for Table (Only 10 available)
- General Admission: Register Now
🔷 Agenda
🕔 5:00 - 5:30 PM
*Arrival + Open Networking + Exhibitor Walkthrough
* Check-in + badge pickup
* Founders, investors, sponsors start connecting
* Light refreshments
* Exhibitor tables open
🕠 5:30 – 5:40 PM
* Opening Remarks (10 mins)
* Welcome + purpose of the forum
🕠 5:40 – 6:30 PM
🎤 Startup Pitch Session (Part 1)
* 10 startups
* 3 min pitch + 1.5 min feedback each
* Investors ask 1–2 sharp questions
🕡 6:30 – 6:50 PM
⚡ Curated Networking Break
* Investors → meet 2 startups each
🕖 6:50 – 7:30 PM
🎤 Startup Pitch Session (Part 2)
* Another 10 startups
* 3 min pitch + 1.5 min feedback each
* Investors ask 1–2 sharp questions
🕢 7:30 – 7:45 PM
🔥 Featured Conversation
👉 1-on-1 Fireside Chat
* What Investors Are Actually Funding in 2026
* From Idea to Traction: What Really Matters
🕖 7:45 – 8:10 PM
🎤 Startup Pitch Session (Part 3)
* Another 5 startups* 3 min pitch + 1.5 min feedback each
* Investors ask 1–2 sharp questions
🕢 8:10 – 8:20 PM
🏆 Startup Pitch Awards. Deal Flow Conversations
🕢 8:20 – Close
🤝 Open Networking
Irvine Ranch Water District makes its facilities available for use by residents and nonprofit organizations merely as a public service, but does not, by allowing this use, endorse or support the purpose of the event or its sponsor.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Duck Club (IRWD), 15 Riparian View, Irvine, United States
USD 0.00
