Startup Programs

VERGE 20 is for people advancing systemic solutions to address the climate crisis through five key markets: clean energy, electrified transportation, the circular economy, carbon removal and sustainable food systems. Transforming these markets requires supporting the innovative startups who are disrupting them. If you have a startup, here’s what VERGE 20 can do for you.

This year we are offering free All-Access Passes to startups that have less than $10M in combined investment and revenue-to-date. To confirm your eligibility and request passes, please contact GreenBiz Support.

Applications are now closed for our VERGE Accelerate program, in which 25 startups will participate in pitch sessions and Roundtable Discussions. You can tune in to watch the VERGE Accelerate pitches, and participate in sessions that are designed specifically for startups:

Monday, October 26th, 2020

12:00pm to 12:30pm

VERGE Accelerate: Food Pitch Session

VERGE Accelerate is a series of fast-pitch competitions featuring leading startups advancing the clean economy. Today’s session highlights five entrepreneurs building solutions related to food. Hear expert reactions to each pitch and then cast your vote to help determine the winner, who will get to pitch in the main stage finals on Friday, October 30.

1:30pm to 2:00pm

How to Partner with Large Corporates

Lightning Talks

Startups are nimble and resource-scarce. Big companies are the opposite. So, how do startups and corporates work together to advance their mutual interests? Hear the firsthand stories of entrepreneurs who have found a way: Who are the right people to talk to? What are they looking for? How do you close the deal?

Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

12:00pm to 12:30pm

VERGE Accelerate: Carbon Pitch Session

VERGE Accelerate is a series of fast-pitch competitions featuring leading startups advancing the clean economy. Today’s session highlights five entrepreneurs building solutions related to carbon removal. Hear expert reactions to each pitch and then cast your vote to help determine the winner, who will get to pitch in the main stage finals on Friday, October 30.

1:30pm to 2:00pm

VERGE Accelerate: Circular Pitch Session

VERGE Accelerate is a series of fast-pitch competitions featuring leading clean economy startups. Today’s session highlights five entrepreneurs building solutions related to the circular economy. Hear expert reactions to each pitch and then cast your vote to help determine the winner, who will get to pitch in the main stage finals on Friday, October 30.

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

12:00pm to 12:30pm

VERGE Accelerate: Energy Pitch Session

VERGE Accelerate is a series of fast-pitch competitions featuring leading startups advancing the clean economy. Today’s session highlights five entrepreneurs building solutions related to energy. Hear expert reactions to each pitch and then cast your vote to help determine the winner, who will get to pitch in the main stage finals on Friday, October 30.

1:30pm to 2:00pm

How Even Small Startups Can Succeed at Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Lightning Talks

Founders may care as much about DEI as their more established counterparts, but many see these as second-order issues behind the challenging realities of starting and scaling a new company. But DEI isn’t just a luxury for well-to-do companies. Here’s how startups are baking DEI into their businesses early.

Thursday, October 29th, 2020

12:00pm to 12:30pm

VERGE Accelerate: Transport Pitch Session

VERGE Accelerate is a series of fast-pitch competitions featuring leading startups advancing the clean economy. Today’s session highlights five entrepreneurs building solutions related to transportation. Hear expert reactions to each pitch and then cast your vote to help determine the winner, who will get to pitch in the main stage finals on Friday, October 30.

Friday, October 30th, 2020

10:15am to 10:40am

VERGE Accelerate Finals

Keynote

Twenty-five startups were chosen to pitch at VERGE 20. Today, the winners from each VERGE conference – representing Energy, Food, Carbon, Transport and Circular – will appear on the main stage, where audience voting will determine which one has the most game-changing potential impact.

1:30pm to 2:00pm

Alternatives to Venture Capital

There are a wide range of nontraditional startup funding options, including government funding, and innovative approaches to impact capital, like blended capital stacks, donor advised funds, impact debt, PRIs, and recoverable loans. Hear from leading pioneers of these options.