43North’s annual pitch competition isn’t just for the handful of finalists.
This year, there's a free event that’s open to the public and geared toward startups. 43North Founder Summit, which takes place the day of the pitch contest, brings together investors and startup founders to talk about topics from fundraising to reaching target consumers.
The summit takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at Seneca One.
The lineup of startup experts includes:
- Adie Akuffo-Afful, head of venture partners at WeFunder
- Meagan Loyst, founder of Gen Z VCs, associate at Lerer Hippeau Ventures and 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree
- Erica Duignan Minnihan, co-founder and general partner at Reign Ventures
- Lorine Pendleton, venture capitalist at Portfolia Rising America Funds and previously named one of Marie Claire’s 50 most connected women
- Lauren Washington, co-founder and CEO of Fundr and 43North portfolio company KeepUp.
“It’s a way to support the ecosystem, even the (startups) beyond our own portfolio,” said Maura Devlin, 43North vice president of marketing, strategy and public relations.
The semi-finals are open to the public and take place Oct. 19 at Seneca One. From there, eight to 10 of the 15 startups will move on to the finals, starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.
The pitch contest will have a fun new twist with a live band. Farrow, a local rock and soul band, will perform on stage.
“Every year we push ourselves as a team to dial up the entertainment," Devlin said, "and make the show better than the year before.”
