Arizona’s largest venture capital conference, UNMET, will return virtually for its second event this fall to assemble startups and venture capital investors from around the country.

UNMET is a joint effort by The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), the states foremost economic development organization located in Phoenix, and Stout Street Capital, a seed-stage fund, to address the imbalance of venture capital opportunity between central states and the coasts.  The conference will bring together more than 200 investors with over 100 of the most promising tech startups from Arizona and the rest of central United States. The early-stage companies will be able to network and present via the internet to investors for a chance to garner seed or series A capital for their business.

“UNMET AZ conferences level the playing field for Arizona based early-stage startups competing with their peers on the coasts, especially in terms of access to institutional venture capital,” said Clay Gordon, managing partner at Stout Street Capital as reported by the ACA. “The ACA has been a great influencer and promoter of the AZ startup ecosystem by attracting capital, creating jobs and fostering innovation. We are excited to partner with the ACA to showcase a diverse cohort of AZ companies to over 200 VCs attending the conference.”

In the spring of this year, UNMET held its first conference, which introduced startups from around the globe including 70 from its home state to 257 venture capitalists. Last year in Arizona, approximately $1.1 billion was invested across 206 deals.

“Providing opportunities for connectivity and networking is a critical part of a healthy innovation ecosystem,” said President and CEO of the ACA Sandra Watson as reported by the ACA. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Stout Street Capital and present the UNMET Arizona Fall 2020 event to showcase the innovations being advanced by the talented companies selected to pitch.”

UNMET Arizona Fall 2020 will convene online October 12-25.