Showcase Your Startup at IMPACT Funders & Founders Forum
IMPACT Funders & Founders Forum offers unparalleled opportunities for fintech and tech startups and scaleups to connect with influential investors, industry leaders, and decision-makers.
Whether pitching to a select audience of venture capitalists at IMPACT Ignite or leveraging the IMPACT Zone to showcase your platform and share your vision, this is your chance to accelerate growth, secure funding, and make meaningful connections.
Explore the opportunities below to take your company to the next level!
Startup Pitches
We're seeking breakthrough startups championing the next wave of innovation. As part of the September 11 IMPACT Founders & Funders Forum, this session will showcase pitches from early-stage fintech and tech startups to an audience of active investors and fellow innovators.
Eligibility: Pitches are open to fintech and tech startups raising Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A rounds. All innovation stages welcome: Idea/Concept, R&D/Market Research, Proof of Concept/Prototype, MVP and similar stages, Alpha, and Beta.
The Fine Print: Pitch opportunities are limited, and meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. Final decisions will be made at Finovate's discretion, and startups will be notified of selection during the summer.
Who Should Apply to Pitch?
The startup pitches are an opportunity for emerging companies to stand out in the crowded funding landscape and secure the attention of IMPACT's influential investor network.
If you can answer "yes" to the following questions, we encourage you to apply:
- Are you developing technology for the fintech or financial services ecosystem (retail banking, business banking, asset management, wealth management, insurance, compliance, regulation, or related sectors)?
- Are you currently raising or planning to raise a Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A round within the next 12 months?
- Are you able to purchase a $300 IMPACT Startup Pass if selected to pitch?
Applications due by July 31
Requirements for Selected Startups
If your startup is selected to pitch, you agree to the following:
- Deliver a four-minute pitch with a slide deck in person on September 11 at the event venue.
- Submit your finalized slide deck by September 4. (Note: No changes will be accepted after this date)
- Purchase a $300 IMPACT Startup Pass and submit marketing materials within a week of acceptance.
What else do you need to know?
The audience for IMPACT pitches is a select gathering of VCs and investors.
However, if your primary focus is new business with financial institutions, we encourage you to demo at FinovateFall 2026, which takes place over September 9-11 at the same venue as IMPACT Funders & Founders Forum.
IMPACT Zone Startup Stands
Prime positioning meets powerful connections. The IMPACT Zone joins FinovateFall's exhibit hall on September 11, offering startups and scaleups strategically positioned stands to spotlight their ideas and innovations and capture the attention of key investors and decision makers from the IMPACT Funders & Founders Forum and FinovateFall 2026.
Stands provide the perfect setting for high-value meetings with potential investors and fintech buyers, in-depth product showcases, and outlining your roadmap to future innovation and market expansion.
Eligibility: IMPACT Zone stands are open to fintech and tech startups with a maximum of Series A funding.
The Fine Print: Stand opportunities are limited, and meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
Why Book An IMPACT Zone Stand?
Engaging Showcase – Utilize your stand as a prime location to run product demos, share your roadmap, and spark meaningful conversations about funding opportunities and customer acquisition.
Targeted Visibility – Rise above the crowd of delegates with premium positioning that puts your brand in front of two highly motivated audiences seeking innovation.
Optimized ROI – Double your opportunity by targeting both fundraising and sales opportunities in one strategic location. Engage the IMPACT Funders & Founders audience for scaling capital, while tapping into the FinovateFall buyer pool of fintech decision-makers and industry leaders for immediate sales prospects.
What's Included In An IMPACT Zone Stand?
Each stand includes:
- Structure: Counter, two stools, and signage, positioned alongside FinovateFall sponsors in the Exhibit Hall on September 11
- Tech: Monitor, power, internet, and lead scanning access
- Two delegate passes for IMPACT Funders & Founders Forum on September 11
- Digital branding exposure on the IMPACT event website, networking platform, and marketing communications
- Printed branding exposure on IMPACT signage