By Guest Author ACA Cleantech Syndication Leader Don Megrath, Co-Founder and Managing Director, VectorPoint Ventures.
Join the ACA community for free and discounted access—investors and portfolio companies welcome!
The Angel Capital Association (ACA) Cleantech Syndication Group—together with the Investors Circle Angel Group and participating ACA member groups—is partnering with Cleantech Open (CTO) for the 2025 CTO Global Forum at the San Jose Convention Center on October 28–29, 2025. The Forum is co-located with VERGE 25 and will convene early-stage climate tech innovators, investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders from across the country.
Whether you’re an early-stage cleantech investor in the Western U.S. or simply eager to learn more about this fast-growing sector, this is a high-value gathering to meet founders, compare notes with fellow investors, and discover pipeline.
What to Expect at the CTO Global Forum
Showcase of 94 graduating CTO startups plus the CTO U.S. National Finals pitch competition—“best of the best” early-stage innovators.
Select companies backed or recommended by ACA Cleantech Syndication Group members may be featured with presentation time, table/half-table space, and 1:1 curated CTO Investor & Partner Connect meetings (invite-only).
Co-location with VERGE 25 (Oct. 28–30): a major climate tech convening with 3,500+ professionals from business, government, startups, and investment.
Event Co-Sponsors: ACA Cleantech Syndication Group, Investors Circle Cleantech Circle, VectorPoint Ventures, Beatrice Advisors, Cleantech Open, and participating ACA member angel groups.
Why Attend
Deal Flow: See a concentrated set of vetted early-stage cleantech companies in two days.
Community: Connect with ACA’s cleantech investor network and peer groups.
Access: Take advantage of complimentary and discounted passes secured for ACA community members.
Angel Investor Access Options
- Option 1 — Complimentary Pass (Oct. 28, 2:30–6:30 PM)
Complimentary entry for investors, members, guests, and students on Tuesday, Oct. 28 (afternoon only). Walk-ups are welcome, but advance registration is preferred.
Register here. - Option 2 — Full CTO Pass + VERGE Network Pass ($300 + fees)
Three-day Global Forum access, including all public CTO events (Expo, Monday evening reception, finals pitches, and Wednesday awards/networking) plus a VERGE Network Pass (keynotes, sponsored breakouts, networking, and expo).
Register here. - Option 3 — Special Investor Pass ($100 + fees; sign up by Oct. 17)
Everything in Option 2 plus participation in CTO Investor & Partner Connect (curated 1:1 meetings; attendance required). Registration deadline: Oct. 17.
How to access: Request the discount code via email to Don Megrath or Investors Circle staff (use the general email at the bottom of the Investors Circle website), then register using the same link as Option 2.
For Portfolio Companies:
- Option A — Complimentary Afternoon (Oct. 28)
Companies may accompany their recommending investor under the complimentary afternoon access window for general networking.
Coordinate with your recommending angel group. - Option B — Presenting Company Package (limited; small fee)
Companies recommended by an angel group that has invested in them may be eligible for:Table or half-table in the Showcase
Stage presentation time
Access to CTO Investor & Partner Connect (invite-only 1:1 meetings)
Express interest: Contact Don Megrath, ACA Cleantech Syndication Group Moderator (and Executive Director at Investors Circle Angel Group).
Note: CTO charges fees for alumni/company tables; CTO has extended access for angel-recommended companies, including those with no prior CTO connection.
About the Co-Located VERGE 25 Conference (Oct. 28–30)
“Where Climate Meets Technology.” VERGE convenes 3,500+ leaders from business, government, startups, and finance, and—together with Bloom and GreenFin under the Trellis Impact umbrella—focuses on scalable solutions in clean energy, transportation, industry, and carbon management. Many ACA attendees choose to combine CTO Global Forum access with VERGE programming to maximize ROI.
Travel & Lodging
San Jose hotels sell out quickly for this event set.
Secure housing here. Reach out to Event Champion Don Megrath here to connect up with other attendees.
About the Author: Don Megrath is the co-founder of VectorPoint Ventures and its Impact Partners fund, bringing more than 25 years of experience in early- and growth-stage investing, entrepreneurship, and finance. He has held senior operational and board roles across multiple industries—serving as VP Finance, CFO, COO, and director for both private and public companies—and has founded or co-founded several ventures. Don has been an active member of Keiretsu Forum since 2010, serving as President or Co-President of the Portland Chapter for six of the last seven years, and is also involved with the Technology Association of Oregon and Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum. Earlier in his career he played key roles in private equity transactions exceeding $100 million, led finance and operations at technology firms, and launched a media production career producing award-winning B2B content for major clients. He holds a B.A. in Telecommunications and an M.B.A. from George Fox University and has served on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards.
About Cleantech Open: CTO runs the world’s largest cleantech accelerator, supporting early-stage startups through mentorship, training, and market connections.
About ACA: The Angel Capital Association is the world’s largest community of angel investors, advancing innovation and fueling entrepreneurs through education, public policy advocacy, syndication, and best practices.
