Why LEAP is a force-multiplier for your portfolio (and your investor career)

If you’re an investor and you’re allocating capital in tech, four days at LEAP can compress months of sourcing, diligence, and relationship-building into a single experience that changes the trajectory of your career. 

On the LEAP investor programme you’re stepping into serious density: 700+ startups and scaleups, 1,600+ investors, and curated matchmaking moments – all designed to turn proximity into performance.

Immediate portfolio impact, with deals you can actually close 

Between the Startup & Scaleup Program, a matchmaking platform with personalised schedules, and our live Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, you’ll get repeated exposure to pre-vetted founders across sectors and stages. For 2026, Rocket Fuel contestants will pitch for $1M in equity-free awards.

And real outcomes follow. Ron Levin (Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures) was a judge for the 2025 Rocket Fuel competition – and then invested in the winner, EduFi: 

“While last year was our first time attending LEAP, the conference had an immediate impact as it directly led to some exciting investment opportunities. Notably, we were quite fortunate to earn the chance to invest in EduFi. From having had the opportunity to personally being one of the Rocket Fuel pitch competition judges, it was a thrill to actually invest in the winning company. We can't wait to see what opportunities are in store for next year's event!”

A compounding effect on your career: Access, learning, leadership 

As an investor, your edge improves with access. LEAP’s dedicated investor infrastructure is built for it: 

• Conversations and content: Discover Investor & Founder Stage, plus the Ecosystem Xchange. (If you want to speak at LEAP 2026, submit your proposal now).
• Connections: Meet peers, mentors, and founders in the Matchmaking Zone and private networking events.
• Community: The Investor Lounge is a focused space to meet GPs, LPs, and FoFs, with 1,600+ investors in attendance. 

Network effects will grow your potential 

Here are just a few of the testimonials we’ve received on ground the at LEAP: 

“It’s exhilarating. I was here five years ago and you couldn't fill a ballroom with the number of people here. There are entrepreneurs everywhere. I'm very excited about seeing what interesting innovations are happening.” – Tim Draper (Founder of Draper Associates) 

“Everything has been full of positive energy. Everyone is so optimistic about the future of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. And the impact of technology. It's been pretty phenomenal.” – Maëlle Gavet (CEO at Techstars) 

“The atmosphere here today is buzzing. That's the best word for it…” – will.i.am (Tech Enthusiast and Investor) 

A faster way to build (and stress-test) your thesis 

With 700+ startups and over 1,600 investors participating at LEAP 2026, you can test a thesis in days. Compare how multiple founders attack the same problem, benchmark traction, and triangulate market timing with peer allocators – before you allocate any funds.

Plan your time at LEAP

1. Source: Use our matchmaking services to line up founder meetings that fit your thesis.
2. Diligence: See product live, meet teams, and pressure-test with peers in the Lounge.
3. Decide: Move on pre-scoped deals and schedule post-show follow-ups.
4. Advance your brand: Judge Rocket Fuel or speak on the Investor Stage to compound visibility.

LEAP concentrates high-quality deal flow and high-impact relationships – driving both portfolio outcomes and your long-term investor brand. Join our investor network and design your LEAP 2026 plan now.