Lobby:Elevate

The Summit That Gets Founders Funded

Lobby:Elevate connects exceptional underrepresented founders with top-tier investors from firms like Lightspeed, Bessemer, and Precursor. In one intensive day, you’ll get the unfiltered feedback, insider knowledge, and investor relationships that most founders spend months trying to access.

Why It Works

Pitch Practice with Top VCs

Pitch sessions with investors in one afternoon. Get honest, actionable feedback you’d never receive in a traditional fundraising meeting.

Premium Experience, Serious Results

World-class venue at Carneros Resort & Spa in Napa Valley. This isn’t charity — it’s an investment in exceptional founders who deserve exceptional treatment.

Community That Lasts

Connect with fellow vetted founders at various stages. Learn from those ahead of you, mentor those behind you, and build relationships that extend far beyond fundraising.

Proven Track Record

  • +80% funding success rate within 12 months

  • Many alumni have raised from investors they met at the Summit

  • Founded by partners who’ve been in your shoes

Who You’ll Meet

Leading investors from premier firms join us at Lobby:Elevate to provide feedback and expertise. Past participants include:

What Past Founders Say

"This is probably one of the highest ROI things you could do in terms of instantly expanding your network of investors."

- Craig Lewis, Founder at Gigwage

"When you show up, you're walking into what you should expect as a founder—the best."

- Erica Plybeah, Founder at Medhaul

Upcoming Summits

Lobby:Elevate 2025

Founders of Color Summit

September 16, 2025

Carneros Resort & Spa | Napa, CA

Lobby:Elevate 2026

Female Founders Summit  

September 15, 2026

Carneros Resort & Spa | Napa, CA

Sample Schedule

Morning:

Community Building

  • Meet your cohort of exceptional founders

  • Pitch workshop and feedback sessions

  • Breakout sessions by stage/sector

Afternoon:

Pitch Practice

  • 1:1 Pitch sessions with top VCs

  • Real-time feedback and coaching

  • Immediate follow-up opportunities

Evening:

Networking Reception

  • Mix and mingle with investors and founders

  • Continue conversation from the day

  • Build lasting relationships

8:30pm: Departures Most founders use this trip to book additional investor meetings throughout the week

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Exceptional founders who are raising or planning to raise institutional capital. Most attendees are in pre-seed through Series A stages.

  • One day. Most founders arrive one to two days in advance for additional investor meetings and extend their Bay Area trip.

  • The registration fee is $599 and includes meals, snacks, swag giveaways, and invaluable programming with leading VCs.


    Please note that all Lobby:Elevate functions are for registered attendees only. Traveling companions will not be permitted at any function.

  • Many founders opt to stay with local connections in San Francisco or Palo Alto to keep costs down.

    We offer round-trip transportation on the day of the Summit via shared shuttle from San Francisco at a discounted rate of $100. Please note that this is a group shuttle service, not a private car service. For any questions, feel free to reach out to elevate@thelobbyconference.com.

    We have secured a block of discounted rooms at Carneros Resort & Spa, available at $850 a night. To make a reservation call (707) 299-4900 and be sure to mention you are with the Lobby:Elevate group. Rooms are limited and the discounted rate expires Monday, August 25, 2025. 

    Please find a list of other accommodations nearby the venue that may be less expensive. Nightly rates are for reference only, please confirm current rates directly with the hotel. 

    Best Western Plus Inn at The Vines(4.9 mi from venue)

    100 Soscol Ave Napa, CA 94559

    (707) 257-1930 

    Nightly rates starting at $193

    Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley(4.9 mi from venue)

    1075 California Blvd Napa, CA 94559

    (707) 253-9540 

    Nightly rates starting at $367

    Hotel Napa Valley(5 mi from Carneros)

    1554 Polk St Napa, CA 94559

    (707) 257-0476 

    Nightly rates starting at $265

    Meritage Resort & Spa(5.7 mi from venue)

    875 Bordeaux Way Napa, CA 94558

    (866) 370-6272 

    Nightly rates starting at $408

  • We offer round-trip transportation on the day of the Summit via shared shuttle from San Francisco at a discounted rate of $100. Please note that this is a group shuttle service, not a private car service. For any questions, feel free to reach out to elevate@thelobbyconference.com.

    For those who prefer to drive, complimentary self-parking is available at Carneros Resort & Spa.

  • While most attendees are building high-growth technology companies, we welcome exceptional founders across sectors who are raising institutional capital.

  • Applications are reviewed by our team. Most attendees are referred by investors, advisors, or past participants.

Sponsors

For information about sponsoring Lobby:Elevate, please contact our team.

Lobby:Elevate is organized by Lobby Capital, a $225M venture fund, and hosted by leading VCs who are committed to supporting underrepresented founders.