The Northern California Venture Conference is quickly approaching. This event will bring together founders, investors, financial professionals, and business leaders May 7th in Redding. The focus will be on startups emerging outside Silicon Valley and traditional tech hubs with a cash prize awarded to the top presenting company.
Across Northern California, founders are building companies in small cities and underserved markets, often without the visibility of larger startup ecosystems. At the same time, regional investors, financial professionals, and business leaders are increasingly looking for investment opportunities closer to home. This conference is designed to bring these groups together for connection, insight, and potential investment.
Keynote Speaker: Tim Metzner
Tim Metzner is a CEO, serial entrepreneur, and investor who has founded and scaled multiple companies and been part of ventures that have reached billion-dollar valuations. Today, he leads FireRoad Ventures, where he invests in small and medium sized businesses. Tim will share his perspective on building, investing, and scaling companies, and what it takes to create lasting value.
A.I. Panel Host: Kirk Wayman
Kirk Wayman is a founder, leadership coach, and advisor who has spent 15+ years helping entrepreneurs, executives, and teams grow with clarity and purpose. As the leader of Ikon Coaching, he blends strategy, behavioral science, and emotional intelligence to help leaders navigate the rise of AI while staying grounded in what makes us human. Kirk will lead a discussion on how AI is shaping business, and what it means to lead effectively.
Access to Capital Panel Host: Matt Moseley
Matt Moseley is the Executive VP and Regional President for Plumas Bank where he leads their effort to support local business. With over 27 years in community banking, he has worked from teller to CEO, bringing deep experience in lending, credit, and relationship-driven banking. Matt will lead a discussion on access to capital, how businesses can secure funding, and how to build strong financial partnerships.
Key Details:
- 📍 Location: Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge
- 📅 Date: Thursday, May 7th, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- 🎟 Tickets include: Full access to the conference, catered breakfast and lunch.
- 👥 Attendance: 100+ founders, investors, and business leaders
The Northern California Venture Conference is intentionally structured as a one-day gathering with limited space to prioritize relevance and efficiency. It represents one of the only opportunities this year to engage directly with Northern California’s startup and investment ecosystem in a meaningful, in-person setting. Tickets are available and the application to pitch is now live at www.startupredding.com/venture.
“We want people to walk away from the Northern California Venture Conference inspired, connected, and motivated to build. Any leader who believes in growing our local economy, this is a room you want to be in.”
— Rebecca Baer, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Shasta County
ATTEND THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VENTURE CONFERENCE“The Venture Conference exists to promote the idea that more is possible for our region and to create a space where momentum can grow. It brings together the broader business community, from bankers and CPAs, to doctors and real estate investors. The leaders in our community need to connect with our region’s founders.”
— Eric Hiatt, Executive Director of the Shasta Angels Investment Group
