Build Your Network
Signature + Community Events
See below for The DEC Network’s Signature events!
Unicorns & Underdogs: High-Growth Founder Summit is a high-impact experience designed for founders navigating rapid growth, big decisions, and bold ambition. From scrappy underdogs to unicorn-level visionaries, this summit brings together entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders to unpack what it really takes to scale in today’s competitive landscape.
High-growth companies don’t follow a single playbook—and this summit is all about sharing the real stories, strategies, and lessons learned along the way. Through candid conversations and actionable insights, founders will gain the tools they need to grow sustainably, lead with confidence, and build resilient companies ready for what’s next.
What to Expect at the Summit:
Founder & Investor Panels: Hear from experienced founders and investors as they break down scaling challenges, fundraising realities, and growth inflection points.
Keynote Conversations: Learn from leaders who have built, scaled, and navigated the highs and lows of high-growth entrepreneurship.
Peer-to-Peer Networking: Connect with fellow founders, operators, and investors who understand the journey—from early traction to hypergrowth.
Actionable Insights & Strategies: Walk away with practical frameworks for scaling teams, capital, operations, and culture.
Real Growth Stories: Get an inside look at how companies moved from underdog to breakout success—and what they’d do differently.
Whether you’re preparing for your next growth phase or already scaling fast, Unicorns & Underdogs is where ambitious founders come to sharpen their strategy, expand their network, and level up.
Be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of high-growth companies.
View the recap video below.
The Your Start Up Pitch Competition is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for funding, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their businesses. Taking place on May 6th at The DEC Network @ Frost RedBird Event Center, this high-energy event brings together emerging startups, investors, and business leaders from various industries.
What to Expect:
- Live Pitches: Watch as selected entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of expert judges, with a chance to win valuable prizes that could take their startups to the next level.
- Expert Judges: Gain insights from a distinguished panel of investors, industry leaders, and successful entrepreneurs who will evaluate pitches and provide actionable feedback.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential business partners in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Prize Packages: Winners will receive a combination of funding, mentorship, and resources tailored to help them scale their business and grow.
Whether you’re pitching, supporting a competitor, or simply interested in the latest innovations, the Your Start Up Pitch Competition is the perfect platform for entrepreneurs to elevate their ideas and take their ventures to the next level. Don’t miss this chance to witness the future of innovation!
DFW Startup Week 2026 – Celebrating 11 Years of Innovation!
Fueling Innovation Across North Texas
Get ready for the 11th Annual DFW Startup Week, bigger and better than ever before! Hosted by the SMU Cox Spears Institute at SMU, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership.
As the second largest Startup Week in the U.S. and the largest in Texas, DFW Startup Week brings together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. It’s also one of the most diverse Startup Weeks in the country, offering a platform for voices from all backgrounds to share ideas, collaborate, and grow.
From August 02-07, 2026, join us for expert-led workshops, inspiring keynotes, pitch competitions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you’re a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or seasoned professional, this event has something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this year—join us for a week of learning, growth, and connection that will shape the future of North Texas!
Register now to be part of DFW Startup Week
