Tracks, Summits, & Events
DFW Startup Week is a great way to grow your understanding in various subjects, and learn from subject matter experts. Explore the tabs below to learn more about what each subject is geared towards and what you can expect!
TRACKS
Industry tracks are at the core of DFW Startup Week’s programming. With 8 different tracks ranging from Marketing, to AI, Automation and Quantum to Healthcare, there’s something for every entrepreneur or innovator, no matter what stage of the journey they’re in. Each track will have multiple panels, presentations and fireside chats featuring diverse speakers that are igniting change that will advance North Texas into the future, while at the same time holding steadfast to the values that helped build the foundation for this entrepreneurial community.
All of the track sessions will take place during the day – August 04-07 at Southern Methodist University . Don’t miss the Kickoff Event on Sunday, August 03, to start the week off strong! Stay tuned for the full schedule and more information closer to the event!
DFW Startup Week has multiple special events and summits that happen throughout the week. The purpose of the special events and summits are to bring together our community all in one place as well as provide special programming for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Summits will have multiple sessions throughout the day, while special events will be one singular event each evening – all held in-person at one location. Stay tuned for the full schedule and more information closer to the event!
- Tracks
- Summits & Forums
- Special Events
AI Presented by: Worlds
Track Captains: Bill Cockerill, Dan Sinawat, Rashmi Varma, & Ruchi Prasad
Explore the future of AI! Discover how artificial intelligence is driving innovation and transforming startups across industries. Join experts and entrepreneurs to learn how AI is reshaping the startup landscape.
Check out each track on the schedule
Capital Access Presented by SouthState Bank, Bank OZK and The Dallas Collaborative for Capital Accesses
Track Captain: Kara Lehnert
Funding is the fuel that powers startups, and the Capital Access Track at DFW Startup Week is here to help founders navigate the journey. Whether you’re seeking venture capital, small business loans, or alternative funding sources, this track connects you with experts, investors, and resources to unlock the capital you need to grow. Don’t miss the chance to learn from top industry leaders and discover the best strategies to secure funding for your startup!
Check out each track on the schedule
SMU Entrepreneurship Showcase
Track Captain: Josh Taylor & Morganne Stewart
Great leaders build great businesses. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Track, presented by SMU Cox Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, is designed to help founders, executives, and business owners develop the skills needed to lead with confidence. Gain insights from experienced leaders, learn strategies to navigate challenges, and discover how strong leadership can drive startup success. Join us to elevate your entrepreneurial journey!
Check out each track on the schedule
Healthcare
Track Captain: Lindsey Settles & Hubert Zajicek
Navigate the journey of healthcare startups during the healthcare track, through sessions in the basics of startups in healthcare, fundraising, law and more!
Check out each track on the schedule
Marketing + Branding
Track Captains: Spencer Traver
The Marketing track is the perfect place for marketers of any skill level to up their game. In this track we will explore marketing techniques that will take your business to the next level through interactive workshops, learning how to utilize algorithms to your advantage, shift narratives and more!
Check out each track on the schedule
Startup Funding Presented by Vela Wood
Track Captain: Mike Wilkes
This track covers early stage funding, funding alternatives to venture-capital, inclusive investing and more. Hear from investors and advisors to learn best funding practices!
Disrupt Dallas Summit presented by Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Member FDIC
Monday, August 4 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Disrupt Dallas Summit celebrates the champions that are disrupting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and talent pipeline, as well as providing expert education and programming for underrepresented entrepreneurs to help support and grow their business through a combination of speakers, discussions and networking opportunities.
Check out each summit on the schedule
Corporate Startup Innovation Summit presented by Capital One in partnership with the Dallas Regional Chamber
Tuesday, August 5 | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Corporate Startup Innovation Summit leverages and unites the breadth and diversity of DFW’s corporations and dynamic startup ecosystem. The summit will mobilize these groups by featuring DFW’s best and brightest innovators who will share how their companies are shaping our future – resulting in new ideas, business models, investment trends, connections and opportunities for business growth and acceleration.
Check out each summit on the schedule
Women of Innovation Summit Presented by Mary Kay
Wednesday, August 6 | 2:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Women of Innovation Summit is an event designed to celebrate, empower, and elevate women leaders who are turning their ideas and ambitions into reality. Featuring a diverse lineup of visionary speakers, the summit will inspire and connect change-makers across industries, providing valuable insights and knowledge on emerging trends and future possibilities for women in business.
Check out each summit on the schedule
The Future of Venture Forum presented by Justworks and MEDC Innovation Fund, in partnership with North Texas Angel Network and 1845 Venture Studios
Thursday, August 7 | 2:15 pm – 6:00 pm
The Future of Venture Forum will serve as an event for investors, startups, and key stakeholders to come together to share their insights and knowledge on unique problems facing investors and startups in the current economic climate.
Community Events
In an effort to embrace all of the innovation happening across the DFW metroplex, we are adding in Community Events to DSW25! As a DSW25 Community Event Host, hosting an event during DFW Startup Week (DSW) at the location of your choosing during one of the designated Community Event timeframes offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth. By adding your event to the official DSW schedule, you’ll gain exposure to a diverse audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. Whether you’re running a workshop, panel discussion, networking session, pitch competition, or meetup, hosting an event during DSW provides a unique platform to showcase your organization’s mission, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the region’s dynamic startup culture.
Check out the line up of community events on the schedule
Startup Alley Expo 2025
Join us for this expo that showcases startups, founders, corporate partners, innovators, resources and more! Join us on Monday, August 4th after Disrupt Dallas Summit!
Women’s Marketplace 2025 Presented by Mary Kay
To cap off a great Women of Innovation Summit, it’s time to go shopping! Join to shop from local women-owned businesses, innovators, partners, and more! Join us on Wednesday, August 6th after the Women of Innovation Summit.
Texas Capital Fueling Texas-Sized Ambition for Texas-Based Small Businesses
Monday, August 4 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Mentorship & Startup Awards
Tuesday, August 5 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Celebrate the power of guidance and grit at the Mentorship & Startup Awards! This special event honors the mentors who make a difference and the startups that are making waves in North Texas. Join us as we recognize standout leaders, innovative founders, and impactful mentors who are driving the entrepreneurial ecosystem forward. It’s a night of inspiration, celebration, and connection you won’t want to miss!
Unlock Success in Amazon’s Store: Insights From Local Entrepreneurs
Thursday, August 7 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
How to Start Selling in Amazon’s Store
Thursday, August 7 from 3:00-4:00 pm
The LemonAd Effect: Refreshing Your Brand to Stand Out and Succeed presented by Verizon
Wednesday, August 6 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm