#USA #Hawaii #Startup Ecosystem #Oahu #Meet The Drapers

Meet The Drapers Comes to Hawaii

The East Meets West 2026 conference, which is scheduled to happen on April 8 and 9, 2026, in Oahu, Hawaii, will feature a special live episode of the globally acclaimed startup pitch show, Meet The Drapers. This annual event is recognized as Hawaii's premier tech conference, hosted by Blue Startups, which works to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and global thought leaders.

The inclusion of Meet The Drapers in this year's event signals a significant milestone for the startup community in Hawaii and the broader Asia Pacific region. This live filming will allow selected entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas directly to the renowned Draper family, which significantly enhances the global visibility of Hawaii's innovation ecosystem.

Chenoa Farnsworth, Managing Director of Blue Startups, expressed pride in bringing such a globally recognized platform to Hawaii. "Filming Meet The Drapers here highlights the powerful innovation coming out of this region. This is more than just a show—it's a platform that elevates founders, attracts global capital, and positions Hawaii's startup ecosystem on an international stage."

During the live event, Tim Draper, the founder of Draper Associates and a prominent venture capitalist with early investments in iconic companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Coinbase, will join as a keynote speaker. His presence is expected to draw significant attention to attendees, providing valuable insights into what investors look for in startups.

Founded in 2014, East Meets West has successfully connected over 4,500 participants, 750 startups, and 450 speakers over its 12-year history. It aims to foster networking opportunities and collaborations across the Pacific, combining the best of the East and West.

The event, which will take place in notable venues like the Ko'olau Ballrooms and the Sheraton Waikiki, will not only feature the live filming of Meet The Drapers but will also include various sessions designed to help attendees create meaningful connections with top-tier investors.

For the founders selected to pitch during this special episode, the opportunity to gain direct access to leading investors and obtain global exposure that is often limited to major tech hubs is invaluable. This initiative aligns perfectly with East Meets West's mission to create impactful connections across industries and generations.

Early Bird tickets for the East Meets West 2026 conference are now available for purchase at their official website, emwhawaii.com. Through this event, Hawaii's entrepreneurial spirit can gain unparalleled momentum, ensuring it is recognized not just as a tropical paradise but a legitimate hub for tech innovation.

With the addition of Meet The Drapers, the emphasis on entrepreneurship is clear, making this conference a pivotal experience for innovators in Hawaii and the surrounding regions. As startups continue to navigate the evolving landscape, this event stands to bolster their efforts and encourage engagement with the global markets, enhancing growth opportunities.

About East Meets West: This premier technology conference retreat has been instrumental in creating synergies among entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders since 2014.

About Blue Startups: Recognized nationally as a top venture accelerator, Blue Startups plays a critical role in Hawaii’s innovation ecosystem by connecting local startups with vast networks across Asia and North America.