The S80 luxury yacht cruising at the DC Wharf
Startup Grind DC Presents

Deals on Deck

A night built for one purpose: connecting the DMV's most promising founders with the investors ready to back them.

Thursday, September 3, 20266:00 PM – 9:00 PMS80 Yacht, DC Wharf

This is not another founder networking event.

Every guest on board is here for the same reason: capital. Attendance is limited to active founders raising capital and verified angel and VC investors. If you're looking for deal flow or funding, this is your room.

How the Evening Works

For Investors

Reserved seats at a discounted rate. Come meet a curated slate of vetted, fundable founders in one of DC's most exclusive settings.

Founder Connector

Get on board for structured speed-dating style sessions with investors throughout the evening. Real conversations, real introductions, no cold outreach required.

Limited Slots

Founder Pitch

Step onto the deck and pitch your startup live to every investor in the room. Five minutes. One stage. The full room's attention.

Your Ticket Includes

Event access aboard the S80 yacht
Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
One alcoholic beverage ticket
Premium appetizers & hors d'oeuvres
DC skyline views from the water
Structured investor networking sessions
Business casual networking atmosphere
No shoes on board — relax and connect

The Pitch Competition

Five minutes. No slides. One stage. The full room's attention. A live investor judging panel scoring in real time.

$250 Cash PrizeGolden Ticket: 1:1 Investor Meeting2-Min Investor Q&A

Seats are limited. Tickets will sell out.

Early bird pricing available August 14–17. Don't miss your chance to be in the room where deals happen.