Hey there! February’s packed with some seriously cool opportunities across New Mexico’s startup scene. Whether you’re a student looking to break into entrepreneurship or a seasoned founder ready to take things to the next level, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in.
For Our UNM Students
Lobo VC Cup
Pitch for real money. Invest with real consequences. Student founders battle for funding while student VCs learn to spot the next unicorn, all with actual startups, real mentors, and cash on the line.
📅 Monday, February 23 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Anderson Graduate School of Management, Jackson Student Center
💰 Free
RSVP here
Student-Led Networking & Career Connections Event
Not your typical career fair. This is where UNM students meet employers from NM Angels, AFRL, Sandia, the City of Albuquerque, and local startups in a super informal, relationship-focused setting. Think conversations and mentorship over stuffy booths. 10-15 employers hiring for internships and full-time roles, organized by students, for students.
📅 Thursday, February 26 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Anderson Graduate School of Management
💰 Free
RSVP here
Open to Everyone
Ski Lift Pitch
10 startups (5 from NM, 5 from out-of-state) pitch to investors ON THE SKI LIFT, then the top 2 from each category compete for $10,000 at the finals in the lodge. It’s elevator pitches, but way cooler. Literally.
📅 February 2-3
📍 Taos Ski Valley, NM
Learn more here
Calling All Science & Engineering Entrepreneurs and Investors
UNM researchers are presenting their latest breakthrough technologies and innovations. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for your next venture or an investor scouting new opportunities, this is where you’ll discover cutting-edge tech coming straight out of university labs. Perfect for making connections, asking questions, and finding partnership opportunities. Plus, they’re feeding you lunch.
📅 Wednesday, February 4 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
📍 Lobo Rainforest Building, Albuquerque
💰 Free
Get tickets here
From Carbon to Clean: Transforming our Workforce for a Sustainable SW
Part of the Beyond Profit series. A panel of experts including Terra Argo (Tribal energy engagement leader), Veena Parboteeah (Dean at NMHU), and Solomon Gbara (UNM student founder of TalentSync) will dig into how we’re preparing New Mexico’s workforce for the clean energy transition. Expect real talk about challenges, opportunities, and what it takes to build a sustainable future here in the Southwest.
📅 Tuesday, February 4 | Time TBA
📍 Christ Church Santa Fe
💰 Free with suggested $25 donation
Get tickets here
Getting Investor Ready: Strategies for Raising Capital
Drew Tulchin (first CFO of Meow Wolf, raised $100M+) shares how to raise capital with confidence. Whether you’re considering your first round or your fifth, this one’s practical, interactive, and worth your time. Hosted by NM Angels and City of Albuquerque Economic Development.
📅 Thursday, February 19 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Virtual
💰 Free
RSVP here
Red Bull Basement <> NM Tech Talks Meetup
Red Bull Basement is a national tech competition where students, entrepreneurs, and innovators compete to develop and launch AI-powered ideas. Last year’s winner built an AI agriculture app that helps farmers track crops and predict threats. This meetup is your chance to learn about the competition, meet the NM tech community, chat with a Red Bull rep about how to apply, and hear how NMClimate is getting involved to boost ClimateTech innovation. Oh, and there’s Red Bull (and cocktails) involved.
📅 Thursday, February 26 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Hollow Spirits Distillery, Albuquerque
💰 Free
RSVP here
See you out there! February’s going to be a great month to connect, learn, and level up.