Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about Step San Francisco 2026 — tickets, agenda, startups, investors, partners, travel, and accessibility.
Event Basics
When, where, and what to expect across the two days of Step SF 2026.
When and where is Step San Francisco 2026?
Step SF 2026 runs August 26–27, 2026. Day 1 (Wed, Aug 26) is the Step SF Kick-off across multiple venues in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Day 2 (Thu, Aug 27) is the main conference day at The Midway, 900 Marin St, San Francisco, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM PT.
What happens during Step Week?
Step Week (Aug 24–29) is the broader window of partner-organized satellite events — meetups, dinners, happy hours, demo nights — happening across the city before, during, and after the main conference. See satellite events.
Who should attend Step SF?
Step SF is built for early- and growth-stage founders, VCs and angel investors, corporate venture and innovation leaders, product and engineering operators, and ecosystem partners. Attendees come from the Bay Area, broader U.S., MENA, Europe, and Asia.
What's the agenda look like?
Day 1 features the pitch competition and opening party at multiple Bay Area venues. Day 2 at The Midway includes keynotes, fireside chats, founder & investor panels, the Startup Showcase, and the Investor Meetings Lounge. View the full agenda.
Tickets & Registration
How to get in, what passes include, and policies.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available on Luma at luma.com/StepSF26. Discounted founder, investor, and student rates are released in waves and can sell out before the event.
What does my ticket include?
Standard passes include access to all main-stage programming and Day 2 sessions at The Midway, the Startup Showcase floor, networking lounges, and the evening reception. Investor and Founder passes unlock the Investor Meetings Lounge and curated 1:1s.
What's your refund policy?
All ticket sales are final, but passes are transferrable up to 7 days before the event. To transfer a ticket, email sf@stepconference.com with the new attendee's details.
Do you offer group or team rates?
Yes — team passes (4+ attendees from the same company) and partner-track group rates are available on request. Email sf@stepconference.com.
For Startups
Showcase, pitch competition, and how founders get the most out of Step SF.
Can my startup apply to showcase?
Yes. Apply to be part of the curated Startup Showcase at stepsf.co/apply-to-showcase-your-startup. Selected startups get demo space, investor matchmaking, and discounted team passes.
How does the pitch competition work?
The Day 1 pitch competition is a curated, on-stage pitch night at the Step SF Kick-off. Selected finalists pitch to a panel of investor judges, with prizes and follow-up intros. Apply through the same showcase form.
What stage of startup do you accept?
We focus on pre-seed through Series B startups across AI, fintech, climate, infrastructure, consumer, and other categories. Earlier or later-stage applications are reviewed case-by-case.
Are there discounted tickets for founders?
Yes. Founder rates are available on Luma for verified early-stage founders. Selected showcase startups also receive discounted team passes for additional teammates.
For Investors
Meetings lounge, qualifications, and what to expect on the deal-flow side.
How do I get into the Investor Meetings Lounge?
Active VCs, angels, and corporate venture arms can register at stepsf.co/become-an-investor-at-step-sf. Approved investors get access to the lounge with pre-curated 1:1s with vetted startups during the conference.
Are there discounted investor passes?
Yes. Approved investors receive access to a dedicated Investor pass tier with lounge access, curated meetings, and entry to investor-only programming.
How are startups matched to investors?
Our matchmaking team pairs investors and startups based on stage, sector, geography, and check size. Matches are pushed out before the event so both sides arrive prepared.
Can I host a side event for portfolio companies?
Yes — many funds host curated dinners, demo nights, or panels during Step Week. Submit your event at stepsf.co/satellite-events and we'll add it to the official lineup.
Partners & Sponsors
How to partner, sponsor, exhibit, or co-host with Step SF.
How can my company sponsor or exhibit?
Partnership, sponsorship, and exhibit opportunities are listed at stepsf.co/exhibit-or-sponsor-at-step-sf. For custom packages, email sf@stepconference.com.
What's the difference between media and ecosystem partners?
Media partners co-promote and cover Step SF in exchange for visibility and content access. Ecosystem partners are accelerators, communities, and operator networks that bring members and host satellite content.
Can I host a satellite event during Step Week?
Yes — satellite events are an official, listed part of Step Week (Aug 24–29). Submit your event at stepsf.co/satellite-events for review and inclusion in the official lineup.
When is the deadline to lock in sponsorship?
Sponsorship inventory is sold on a rolling basis and signature placements typically close 8–10 weeks before the event. Contact us early at sf@stepconference.com.
Travel & Venue
The Midway, getting there, hotels, and on-site logistics.
Where is The Midway?
The Midway is at 900 Marin St, San Francisco, CA 94124 in the Dogpatch / Bayview neighborhood. It's about 15 minutes from downtown SF and 20 minutes from SFO airport by rideshare.
Are there recommended hotels?
Most attendees stay in SoMa, Mission Bay, or downtown SF for easy access to both Day 1 multi-venue events and The Midway on Day 2. We're not running a block this year — book early as Aug is peak season.
Is parking available?
Limited paid street parking is available near The Midway. We strongly recommend rideshare or public transit (Muni T-Third line stops a short walk away) given Day 2 attendance volumes.
Is the venue accessible?
The Midway is wheelchair accessible. For specific accessibility accommodations, dietary requirements, or other needs, email sf@stepconference.com in advance.
Policies & Contact
Code of conduct, press, and how to reach the team.
Is there a code of conduct?
Yes. Step SF follows a strict code of conduct designed to create a safe, respectful environment for all attendees. Violations should be reported on-site to staff or by emailing sf@stepconference.com.
How do I apply for a press pass?
Credentialed journalists, podcasters, and creators can apply for press access by emailing sf@stepconference.com with publication, audience, and intended coverage.
Can I volunteer at Step SF?
A limited number of volunteer slots open closer to the event. To express interest, email sf@stepconference.com with your background and availability across Aug 26–27.
My question isn't here — who do I contact?
Email sf@stepconference.com and the Step SF team will get back to you. For broader Step conference questions, visit our help center.
Ready to Join
Step San Francisco 2026?
Founders, investors, sponsors, and partners — there's a way to participate that fits.
