CONNECTails: Networking for Biotech Entrepreneurs & Investors
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:30pm ET
Welcome to CONNECTails networking event, where meetings happen and deals get done. Special thanks to our Premier Sponsor: Finnegan, LLC
Join us for CONNECTails networking event, a joint production of CONNECTpreneur and Group 3D. CONNECTpreneur is the premiere networking and professional development organization for over 25,000 Entrepreneurs, VCs and angels, CEOs, and other business leaders in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
CONNECTails is where our community comes together to meet, greet, learn about new opportunities, network, imbibe, and relax in a lively professional atmosphere.
Special Thanks to our Premiere Sponsor: Finnegan, LLC. Finnegan is a premier IP law firm trusted by global leaders to protect what sets them apart. With 11 offices worldwide, they bring local insight and global reach to every IP challenge—delivering unmatched depth, agility, and results. If it's IP, it's Finnegan.
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This event is a great opportunity for start-up companies in the biotech fields that are seeking funding to introduce themselves, meet with potential investors, network with future employees, and connect with quality service providers.
Registration:
Attendees: Entrepreneurs Seeking Funding & Students - $35 in advance
Attendee: Investors, Government - $45 in advance
Attendee: Vendors and Service Providers - $75 in advance
EXCITING NEW VENUE!
This month we take over the entire lower-level bar area at:
matchbox Rockville
1699 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
Nearest Metro: Twinbrook on the Red Line
Parking: Plenty of surface spots in the shopping center next door
Includes: First drink ticket, hot appetizers, swag, one door prize chance
Dress: Professional casual
Music: Classic Rock and Jazz
Vibe: Select, friendly, positive, professional
Bring: Your own name badge from a previous event or conference. To this last point, a modest prize will be given to the attendee with the most improbable, random, or interesting name badge, subject entirely of course whims of the event organizers.
Our Honorary Hosts for the evening include Carrie Zhang of Citrine Angels. Carrie is an accomplished leader with extensive experience across the biotechnology and scientific community, and is committed to fostering innovation and strategic growth in our region.
Alex Euler is the Senior Investment Director at Virginia Venture Partners. He leads a team of investment professionals who make early-stage venture capital investments across sectors, with a primary focus on biopharma, medtech, and healthcare. Over the last 15 years, he has led over 250 transactions for the VVP fund.
Mike Smith is a well-known CONNECTpreneur Ambassador and has invested in and/or advised 45+ biopharma and tech startups (Virtech Bio, GBI Bio, Pacira Bio). He is CEO of Michael Smith Business Development, and his last exit - Two Hat Security – was acquired by Microsoft for $300M+.
All our Honorary Hosts look forward to meeting all attendees, talking shop, exploring investment opportunities, and enjoying a fun evening.
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Additional Sponsorship and Entrepreneur Exhibitor slots are available. Send an email to Hank Dearden (hankd@iiid.com) for details and we'll take care of you right away.
Bring plenty of business cards, register today, we look forward to seeing you there!