Step San Francisco 2026

Overview

Step San Francisco 2026 is a two-day startup and technology conference taking place in San Francisco on August 26–27, with an ecosystem building focus centered on the AI economy. Day 1 spans the Bay Area with kickoff events, pitch competition activity, and a curated set of gatherings across multiple venues in the city and the broader Bay Area. Day 2 concentrates the main conference on site at The Midway, featuring the final round of a three pitch competition and a program designed for founders, operators, and investors.

What to expect

This event brings together a global audience of founders, investors, and operators from more than 50 countries. Across four tracks, attendees can expect sharp conversations, real product demonstrations, and actionable insights from practitioners who are actively building and scaling technology ventures. The program emphasizes practical takeaways that participants can apply in their own companies, with emphasis on the AI economy and the tools, strategies, and partnerships that are moving the space forward.

Agenda and format

• Day 1 (Wednesday, August 26): Step SF Kick-off, Round 1 of the pitch competition, opening parties, and curated events at venues around San Francisco and the Bay Area. This kickoff sets the tone for collaboration and deal flow by connecting founders with potential partners, mentors, and investors in a multi-venue format across the city.
• Day 2 (Thursday, August 27): Main conference day at The Midway, featuring the 3 pitch competition finalists presenting on the main stage. The day is structured around panels, case studies, and live demonstrations across the four tracks, designed to illuminate what is actually working in practice rather than theory alone. Step Week from August 24 to 29 features partner-organized satellite events across the city, expanding opportunities to engage beyond the formal program.

Tracks, sessions, and speakers

The event runs across four tracks that host conversations, product showcases, and practical guidance from operators, founders, and investors actively involved in building companies at scale. In prior editions, speakers have included leaders from notable tech and investment organizations, illustrating the breadth of experience represented at Step SF. The schedule is designed to surface real-world lessons, growth strategies, and concrete actions attendees can implement in their own ventures.

Who should attend

Step SF is designed for founders seeking market feedback and partnerships, operators aiming to scale product and go-to-market efforts, investors looking for actionable opportunities, and ecosystem partners who want to connect with the community shaping the AI economy. The event emphasizes matchmaking, global presence, and curated interactions to maximize meaningful connections and outcomes.

Practical details

The main host venue for Day 2 is The Midway, located at 900 Marin St in San Francisco, CA. Step SF Week complements the core conference with satellite events across the city. Attendees can expect a professional yet dynamic environment focused on practical knowledge, networking, and collaboration within a vibrant startup ecosystem.