Step SF 2026: The AI & Tech Startup Festival

Step San Francisco 2026 is set to be a pivotal gathering for the startup and technology ecosystem, with a sharp focus on the burgeoning AI economy. This two-day conference, held on August 26-27, is designed to connect the innovators, investors, and operators who are actively shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The event's mission is to foster collaboration, share cutting-edge insights, and facilitate meaningful connections that drive growth and innovation within the AI landscape.

This conference is a must-attend for a diverse range of professionals. Founders and entrepreneurs building AI-driven products and services will find invaluable resources and networking opportunities. Investors, including VCs, angel investors, and corporate venture arms, will discover promising startups and gain a deeper understanding of market trends. Operators and executives from technology companies, particularly those in SaaS, enterprise tech, and AI development, will benefit from strategic insights and practical applications. The event caters to companies at various stages, from early-stage startups seeking funding and mentorship to established enterprises looking for partnerships and talent. Industries such as software development, data science, machine learning, and venture capital will find the content highly relevant.

Key topics and themes will revolve around the practicalities and future of AI. Attendees can expect deep dives into AI strategy, responsible AI governance, scaling analytics organizations, and leveraging AI for business growth. Specific sessions include "From 10 Pilots to 100 Agents in Production," which will explore the journey of high-growth product teams in deploying AI agents across various business functions, covering data pipelines, retrieval, context graphs, orchestration, and observability. Another crucial session, "What VCs Look for When Your MVP Took 72 Hours," will provide insights into investor expectations for rapidly built AI products, distinguishing between quick hacks and long-term viable companies. The conference will feature four distinct tracks: Founders, Physical AI, The Autonomous Enterprise, and Vibe to Venture, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the AI ecosystem.

Notable speakers include industry leaders such as Vijay Kotu, Chief Analytics Officer at ServiceNow, who will share his expertise on transforming enterprises into data-driven, AI-first organizations. Rikki Singh, VP of Product Engineering for Emerging Technology Innovation at Twilio, will discuss driving step-change innovation in AI-powered customer engagement and next-generation developer experiences. Adrian Rosenkranz, Chief Revenue Officer at Webflow, will speak on AI-powered growth and go-to-market leadership. Sandesh Patnam, Managing Partner at Premji Invest, and Murali Joshi, General Partner at ICONIQ, will offer investor perspectives on identifying and scaling successful AI ventures. Past speakers have included leaders from Replit, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), The White House, Deel, Brex, Khosla Ventures, Mastercard, and Mighty Capital, underscoring the caliber of insights available.

Networking is a cornerstone of Step San Francisco. The event features a curated matchmaking system designed to intentionally facilitate connections between founders, investors, and operators. This ensures that attendees meet with clear context and purpose, maximizing the value of their interactions. The global audience, with attendees from over 50 countries, provides a genuinely international ecosystem, bringing diverse perspectives and opportunities into one place. Attendees will have the chance to engage with peers, potential partners, and mentors, fostering collaborations that extend beyond the conference.

Attendees will gain actionable takeaways, strategic insights, and invaluable connections. The focus is on what's actually working in the AI space, from lessons learned by industry veterans to strategies that can be applied immediately to their own ventures. Whether it's understanding investor criteria, optimizing AI deployment, or identifying emerging trends, the conference aims to equip participants with the knowledge and network to succeed in the AI economy. The event also features a Pitch Competition, where vetted startups present to a live panel of investors for a grand prize, offering a unique opportunity for exposure and funding.

Day 1 of the conference will kick off across various locations in the Bay Area, leading up to the main conference on Day 2 at The Midway in San Francisco. The Midway is a dynamic venue known for hosting innovative events, providing an inspiring backdrop for discussions and networking. The AWS Builder Loft will host the Pitch Competition and other sessions, offering a dedicated space for startup engagement. The combination of diverse locations and a central main venue enhances the event experience.

What sets Step San Francisco apart is its sharp focus on the AI economy, bringing together a global audience with a curated matchmaking system. The emphasis on practical insights from operators, founders, and investors, rather than just theoretical discussions, ensures that attendees leave with tangible value. The Pitch Competition provides a direct pathway for startups to gain visibility and funding, while the diverse speaker lineup offers a 360-degree view of the AI landscape. The event's commitment to fostering meaningful connections and providing actionable strategies makes it a unique and essential gathering for anyone involved in the AI and startup world.