Build Your Network

Signature + Community Events

See below for The DEC Network’s Signature events!

January 29, 2026
SMU Collins Center

State of Entrepreneurship 2026 is coming. 

Join us January 29, 2026, at the SMU Collins Executive Education Center for an energizing look at what’s shaping entrepreneurship right now—and what’s next.

This signature event brings together founders, funders, and ecosystem leaders for a powerful day of insight, connection, and celebration. Expect community-nominated and community-voted awards, inspiring keynote speakers, candid panel conversations, and intentional networking with the people building the future of business in North Texas and beyond.

Whether you’re scaling your company, just getting started, or supporting founders in the ecosystem, the State of Entrepreneurship is where the real conversations happen—and where the community shows up.

📅 January 29, 2026
📍 SMU Collins Executive Education Center

Speaker announcements and the full agenda coming soon. Trust us—you’ll want to be in the room.

Febuary 19th, 2026
Create FW

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.

Date: August 02-06, 2026
Location: SMU Collins Center

Sponsored by Capital One

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

 

See below for a calendar of upcoming community events!