Information on the 2026 Techstars Startup Weekend

Join us to meet the organizers, and to get all of your questions answered for Startup Weekend, February 2026. Startup Weekend is a three-day program for emerging executives, mentors, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Experience Entrepreneurial Mindset by living startup life over a weekend. It is a creative and collaborative educational event over a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Open to the public, anyone can develop and pitch new startup ideas. From executive product owners to independent inventors, all are welcome. The weekend includes creating a business model, validating it with potential customers, and competing for prizes within a supportive community. This is a global event series led by Techstars, event sponsors, and affiliates. Sponsored by the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond * **Event Purpose:** To help more people experience Startup Life over a weekend * **Audience:** Those pitching an idea, and those who would like to join a startup team * **Dates:** February 20th – 22nd, 2026 **Join this Virtual PreLaunch** We are holding a series of PreLaunch informational events, covering what to expect at Startup Weekend. Learn about the audience, itinerary, logistics, and the benefits. **If you Plan to Travel to Richmond** We can provide a discount code for those registered for the event. Join us for this PreLaunch conversation on Thursday, Dec. 18th at 7pm on **Zoom Webinar**: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83836020707](http://[https//us02web.zoom.us/j/83836020707%5D(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83836020707) "\[https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83836020707\](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83836020707)") **Startup Weekend** Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders, and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster -- and, maybe even start that business. [More about Global Startup Weekends](https://www.techstars.com/communities/startup-weekend) **Techstars** The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. * Techstars has invested in 3,700 early-stage startups. * Venture portfolio with a market capitalization of $8.1 billion. * Startup Weekends have been held over 7000 times in over 150 countries. * Attracting 19,000 community leaders and reaching over 428,000 entrepreneurs. * Engaging an array of stakeholders – government agencies, universities, and nonprofits **Encouraging Diversity, Nationally** Read an article co-authored by our facilitator, Malliron Hodge, and our lead organizer, Dale Fickett: ["Delivering on the Promise of More Diverse Startup Weekends and the Benefits of an Inclusive Founder Community"](https://www.techstars.com/blog/pov/delivering-on-the-promise-of-more-diverse-startup-weekends-and-the-benefits) **Next Steps** * [Early Registration](https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/fgc22af/lp/f7fa9036-5fd5-4135-8c08-b610f9cc9c58) * Attend the PreLaunch Event * Watch the video [What is Startup Weekend?](https://robins.richmond.edu/about/news-events/techstars-startup.html) Techstars Startup Weekend – Changemakers Richmond is made possible through: * *Brex* * *Techstars* * *University of Richmond* Our regional Promotional Partners have included: * *Appomattox Regional Governor's School* * *Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia* * *BizWorks Enterprise Center* * *Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority* * *CodeRVA Regional High School* * *Dominion Energy Innovation Center* * *Downtown Ashland Association* * *ESPN Radio 106.1* * *Hanover County Economic Development Authority* * *Henrico County Economic Development Authority* * *Innovate Hampton Roads* * *James Madison University* * *Mike King Biz* * *NASA* * Newport News Economic Development * *rvatech* * *RVA Works* * *SCORE Richmond* * *Startup Virginia* * *Virginia Commonwealth University* * *Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce* * *Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation* * *Virginia State University*