Presented by EY, PayPal, and Zuora, NFTE’s Founders Forum allows alumni entrepreneurs to advance their launch-ready or operational businesses in a variety of ways, as well as to prepare for investment with the support of a professional network and connect directly with potential investors.

Now in its fifth year, the Founders Forum supports these aspiring alumni entrepreneurs at a variety of business stages. The 2026 cohort of Founders is currently engaged in mentoring relationships with business advisors while working toward their individual goals to acquire startup capital.

AT THE ONLINE PITCH COMPETITION:

Three Founders Forum finalists will pitch their business over Zoom to an investment panel, vying for a portion of a $10,000 capital investment pool that can be used to advance their business as they see fit. During the panel deliberation you will meet the other founders in this year’s cohort and hear from our featured VIP speaker!

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

If you are interested in being an advisor for this or a future Founders Forum, contact ArnieA@nfte.com.

• What: NFTE Founders Forum Pitch Competition 2026
• When: March 9, 2026, from 5:30-7 p.m. CDT / 6:30-8 p.m. EDT
• Where: Online
• Free to Register