Project 2.8 Pitch Night : Showcasing Female Founders at Columbia

An Accelerator. A Network. A Community.

Join us on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, for an evening that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and equity in venture capital. Hosted by Project 2.8, in partnership with Brown Rudnick LLP and Columbia Venture Community, this event will spotlight Columbia University’s exceptional women founders as they take the stage to pitch their startups to a panel of investors and industry leaders.

This exclusive gathering will bring together founders, VCs, mentors, and startup ecosystem partners for a night of inspiration, opportunity, and collaboration in the heart of New York City.

🕕 Event Schedule

6:00 – 6:30 PM: Check-in & Networking Reception

Mingle with founders, investors, and guests over cocktails and small bites.

6:30 – 8:15 PM: Live Startup Pitches

Ten Columbia women founders present their ventures to a panel of investors.

8:15 – 8:45 PM: Judge Feedback & Recognition

Hear insights from investors and celebrate standout ventures.

8:45 – 9:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Networking

Raise a toast to women in venture, exchange ideas, and connect with the Project 2.8 community.

🤝 Why Attend?

• Connect with founders, investors, and mentors driving innovation across industries.
• Hear pitches from Columbia’s top women entrepreneurs.
• Discover opportunities to invest, collaborate, and mentor.
• Celebrate the growing impact of women in venture capital.

Host:

🌟 About Project 2.8

An Accelerator. A Network. A Community.

Founded through Columbia Venture Community in 2020, Project 2.8 is a startup accelerator serving early-stage, pre-seed, women-led startups founded by current students and alumnae of Columbia University. Our mission is to ensure women founders have equal access to venture capital and the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Since its inception, Project 2.8 has supported over 30 startups through its accelerator, providing a curriculum that includes mentorship, investor connections, and expert-led workshops. With the continued support of Columbia Venture Community, we are building a powerful network and sustainable community for women founders.

To learn more about our program, our founders, and how you can get involved, visit us at www.projecttwoeight.com.

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Our Partners:

🏛️ About Brown Rudnick

Brown Rudnick is a leading international law firm that provides exceptional, client-driven service in global litigation, crisis management (restructuring, investigations, and special situations), brand and reputation management, life sciences, and technology. We advise on high-profile cross-border matters while providing the kind of personal attention to clients that is typically found at boutiques. Our enterprising and tenacious lawyers serve our clients around the globe from offices in key financial centers in the U.S. and the U.K., and have been recognized by, among others, Chambers USA, Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation, and Law360 for excellence in their fields.

To learn more about Brown Rudnick’s Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital group, please visit Brown Rudnick’s website.

🤝About Columbia Venture Community (CVC)

Founded in 2006, Columbia Venture Community (CVC) is one of the largest and most inclusive entrepreneurship-focused networks in the Columbia ecosystem, with nearly 6,000 members across 50+ countries. Open to all Columbia University students, alumni, and staff regardless of school affiliation, CVC supports aspiring and established entrepreneurs through vibrant programming, access to resources, and a strong sense of community.

From startup pitch nights and incubation seminars to networking events and panel discussions in major cities like NYC, SF, London, and Seoul, CVC fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. With 450+ events and 120+ startup pitches hosted since its founding, CVC is a key driver of venture development across the Columbia community.

Learn more at columbiaventurecommunity.com

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Brown Rudnick LLP, 7 Times Square, New York, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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