Wharton Startup Summit 2026

Join us for one of the largest founder & investor gatherings at Wharton this year — bringing together leaders across AI, fintech, healthcare, and consumer for candid conversations on building and scaling in today’s market.

This year’s lineup features founders and operators from Tennr, EliseAI, Stan, Pair AI, and Oleum (backed by a16z) — alongside leaders from Google AI and early-stage investors from Precursor VC. These are builders actively scaling vertical AI companies, driving product and go-to-market strategy, and making real-time investment decisions — not just reflecting on them.

Across five focused panels, we’ll dive into:

• What it actually takes to build and win in vertical AI

• How early-stage investors evaluate founders today

• Product vs. GTM tradeoffs in high-growth startups

• Where the next wave of opportunity is emerging

If you're exploring startups, venture, or building something of your own, this is a room you’ll want to be in.

Info: Kick off the day with coffee and networking alongside founders, investors, and operators from across the Wharton community and beyond.

Info: Opening Remarks

Morning Keynote Conversation
A featured leader shares firsthand insights on building, scaling, and navigating today’s innovation landscape.

Industry Panels
Four dynamic panels exploring the most important sectors shaping the next decade:

Artificial Intelligence – Vertical AI, product strategy, and scaling

Healthcare – Innovation in complex, regulated markets

Fintech – Financial infrastructure and the future of capital

Consumer – Community, brand, and modern growth playbooks
(Potential additional session on venture capital and early-stage investing)

Lunch & Curated Networking
Connect directly with speakers and attendees over lunch.

Afternoon Keynote Conversation
An in-depth fireside chat with a leading founder or investor.

Closing Remarks & Open Networking Reception

5:00 PM – Summit Concludes

Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, 3549 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, United States

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

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