Tesoro VC announces Frontier Forum in partnership with ...

2027-03-29 · 13:00:00 · Phoenix

Frontier Forum connects emerging technology startups with venture investors and strategic industry partners in Phoenix. Hosted by Tesoro VC, the summit features startup presentations, discussions, and curated introductions.

Frontier Forum is a new annual gathering connecting emerging technology companies advancing AI chips, robotics, quantum, biotechnology, and defense technologies with venture investors and strategic industry partners. The event brings together 300 participants including 50 selected startups spanning pre-seed through Series B. The program features startup presentations, panels, fireside chats, curated introductions, and a welcome reception hosted by the City of Phoenix.

Founder brief

Who should attend

Pre-seed through Series B founders building in AI chips, robotics, quantum, biotechnology, and defense technologies should consider applying. The program is limited to 50 selected companies that can demonstrate credible technical progress or commercial validation.

What happens

Starting at 13:00, the afternoon runs through presentations from selected startups, venture capital and corporate venture capital panels, a fireside conversation, and curated introductions. From 17:00 to 19:00, Mayor Kate Gallego and the City of Phoenix host a welcome reception.

Who's in the room

Around 300 participants gather for the summit, featuring 50 selected startup teams alongside venture investors, corporate venture partners, and international delegations. Speaker Andy Lombard from Tesoro VC joins Mayor Kate Gallego among the attendees.

How to prepare

Apply before the December 31, 2026 deadline with clear evidence of your technical validation or commercial traction. If selected to present, sharpen your deck for a room split between institutional venture capitalists and corporate venture teams looking for strategic partnerships.

Organizer: Tesoro VC

Register

At a glance

Format
Selected startup presentations, a VC panel, a CVC panel, a fireside conversation and curated introductions.
Who can apply
Only 50 startups will be selected, spanning pre-seed through Series B and demonstrating credible technical progress or commercial validation.
Attendance
300 founders, investors and industry leaders
Stage
Pre seed, Seed, Series a, Series b plus
Sectors
Ai ml, Deeptech, Hardware, Healthtech, Biotech, Aerospace defense

Agenda

  1. 13:00 - 17:00 · Frontier Forum — Selected startup presentations, a VC panel, a CVC panel, a fireside conversation and curated introductions.
  2. 17:00 - 19:00 · City of Phoenix Welcome Reception — Welcoming global founders, investors, industry leaders and international delegations to begin the week.

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Kate Gallego — Mayor (Host)
  • Andy Lombard — Tesoro VC (Speaker)

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