EVENT DETAILS

Innovation Works’ Venture Expo brings innovative founders and investors together in Pittsburgh for a full day of insightful discussions, pitch presentations, and networking. Founders building tomorrow’s companies will have the opportunity to connect with key capital advisors to take the next steps in building the region's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

June 10, 2025 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The IW Venture Expo is an invitation only event and the intended audience is limited to “Accredited Investors” as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1922, as amended, and members of the press.

APPLY TO ATTEND
APPLY TO ATTEND
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IMPACT

COMPANIES INNOVATION WORKS FUNDED SINCE 1999
776
777
778
779
780
1
2
4
+
PITTSBURGH RANK AMONG STARTUP EMERGING ECOSYSTEMS
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1
4
3
TH
Venture firms invested in the region over the past decade
296
297
298
299
300
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2
4
+
4th consecutive year of investments in regional companies
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1.
9
0
B+
WHY ATTEND

WHERE INVESTORS GO FOR EARLY ACCESS TO WHAT'S NEXT

At the Innovation Works’ Venture Expo, investors come from around the country to gain early access to emerging technology in software, AI, hardware, life sciences, and robotics. As an early investor and accelerator, Innovation Works’ portfolio introduces rising stars to venture capital deal opportunities in one fast-paced day.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Hear from a curated group of speakers relevant to investment in strong technology companies blossoming in high-growth industries.

PITCH SESSIONS

Emerging companies poised for growth will pitch across three sessions focused on industry and company stage. 

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KEYNOTE

Chris Barton

Founder of Shazam

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Professional executive
Kimberly Quinn

Chris is the founder and creator of Shazam, acquired by Apple in 2018 for a reported $400 million.

When Chris came up with the idea to identify music out of thin air, everyone said it was impossible. He then embarked on a journey to make it possible through not just one, but many innovations. He has continued to invent new things and learn from amazing innovators during 8 years at Google, 4 years at Dropbox and as founder of his new company, Guard.

Read FULL Bio

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Sales executive
Amelia Fields

SPEAKERS

Aston Pierce
Manager, GO PA Fund & GO Philly Fund
READ BIO
Dr. Paul Campbell
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Brown Venture Group, LLC
READ BIO
Jay Douglass
Chief Operating Officer, ARM Institute
READ BIO
Joseph Angotti
Principal, Grouse Ridge Capital
READ BIO
Landon W. Campbell
General Manager, Drive Capital
READ BIO
Lindsay Fairman
Venture Partner, BlueTree Venture Capital
READ BIO
Sabrina Sasaki
Principal & Country Manager Canada at Monozukuri Ventures
READ BIO
Sankalp Arora
CEO & Co-Founder, Gather AI
READ BIO
Sisi Liu
Senior Manager, Duolingo
READ BIO
Thomas Ryden
Executive Director, MassRobotics
READ BIO
Ven Raju
President & CEO, Innovation Works
READ BIO

ATTENDING FOUNDERS

Software & AI
Robotics & HARDWARE
Health & Life Sciences

AGENDA

REGISTRATION
9:00 - 9:30 AM
DOUBLE OPT IN MEETINGS
MEETINGS
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
CHAT WITH CHRIS BARTON
KEYNOTE
9:30 - 10:30 AM
FOUNDER PRESENTATIONS - SOFTWARE & AI
PITCH PRESENTATIONS
10:45 - 11:45 AM
LUNCH
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
The next industrial shift: crossroads of robotics and Manufacturing
PANEL DISCUSSION
12:15 - 1:00 PM
FOUNDER PRESENTATIONS -
ROBOTICS & HARDWARE
PITCH PRESENTATIONS
1:15 - 2:15 PM
The Owl’s Eye View: How Duolingo Spots Breakout Startups
"FIRESIDE" CHAT
2:15 - 2:45 PM
FOUNDER PRESENTATIONS -
HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES
PITCH PRESENTATIONS
3:00 - 3:50 PM
WHY VCS ARE BETTING ON PITTSBURGH
PANEL DISCUSSION
4:00 - 4:30 PM
HAPPY HOUR
NETWORKING
4:30 - 6:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

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WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
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Please book your hotel room at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square by May 23 to receive Innovation Works’ specialty guest rate of $219.

WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
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Onsite parking is available at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel Parking Lot for a daily rate of $34. To learn more about hourly pricing, please click here.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE AIRPORT/TRAIN STATION TO THE VENUE?
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Use the following address in Uber, Lyft, or Google Maps: 

Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square
300 W Station Square Dr,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Where can I learn more about investments in the Pittsburgh region?
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Pittsburgh is an emerging, growing ecosystem for technical innovation leading in industries like AI, robotics, and life sciences.

Each year, EY publishes an extensive report of the region and we invite you to review this publication

Visit the Innovation Works website for further details on Innovation Works.