Curated VC and Startup Meetings

Elevate Your Venture

Step into an exclusive realm where innovation meets opportunity at Retail's Big Show. This program thoughtfully curates visionary startups with leading investors for impactful one-on-one meetings, setting the stage for transformative partnerships.

Startup companies showcasing their solutions in the NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase and Startup Hub represent the pinnacle of cutting-edge technology. These companies are chosen for their proven market potential, exceptional leadership, and validation from top-tier investors, retailers, and media. They are at the forefront of advancements in marketing, automation, visualization, robotics, supply chain, customer engagement, delivery, payments, and personalization. 

Startups that have previously been showcased at Retail’s Big Show have achieved remarkable success—securing acquisitions, raising millions in capital, forging powerful alliances, and expanding globally with giants like Apple, Google, Nike, and Walmart.

This exclusive meetup program connecting Venture Capital firms and startups will take place during show hours and include refreshments. Interested participants must meet the qualification criteria and deadlines below. 
Participation is strictly limited to startups exhibiting in the NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase or Startup Hub, ensuring a highly selective and prestigious experience.

Seize your chance to be part of this elite gathering!

Venture Capitalists

Qualifications:
Must be a current investor in retail or tech startups and must be seeking to make investments in 2025.

VC Participation Includes:

  • Access to top retail tech startups
  • Curated meetings based on investment strategy
  • 1 All-Access Pass (access to 300,000 sq. ft. of retail technology)
  • Complimentary refreshments

VCs can apply to participate starting in November. Please check back for further information. Investors that apply will receive confirmation of their meetings in mid-to-late December.
Questions? Contact us at zara@tuskstrategies.com.

Startups

Qualifications:
The program is only available to startups that are currently exhibiting in the NRF 2025 Innovators Showcase or Startup Hub at NRF 2025. Any other companies that apply will not be matched with meetings.

Startup Participation Includes:

  • Valuable meetings with venture capitalists
  • Complimentary refreshments

Startups can apply here by November 8th. All eligible companies that apply will receive confirmation of their meetings in mid-to-late December. Meetings are based on investor interest and are not guaranteed. 
Please contact Tami Sakell for further information.