vcIQ: Deep Tech Founder Session

vcIQ Founder Sessions is a curated, small-group conversation series designed to give founders direct access to leading venture investors in specific sectors.

Each session brings together 2 to 3 active investors and a room of 15 to 20 founders for an interactive off-the-record discussion focused on how capital actually moves within the category. This is not a panel, and there are no formal presentations. The format is conversational, candid, and founder-driven.

This session is hosted during DC Deep Tech Week.

We will be joined by:

• TBD

They will share perspectives from the front lines of deep tech investing, including:

• What is actually getting funded right now, and where investors have pulled back
• How they underwrite technical risk before the science is fully settled
• What counts as traction before revenue, and how non-dilutive capital factors in
• Whether venture timelines actually fit the technology, and what that means for how you raise
• Where real defensibility comes from in deep tech
• The mistakes deep tech founders make when they pitch like software founders

Founders will have the opportunity to ask direct questions, pressure test positioning, and engage in open discussion with investors actively deploying capital in the space.

Space is highly limited to maintain discussion quality. We will not be able to accommodate everyone but look forward to bringing together a strong and relevant group to the conversation.

This session is presented in partnership with Arlington Economic Development and the National IQ.

And a big thank you to your partners at FinStrat Management and JBG SMITH.