Founder Spotlight: Elisa Deterville

Elisa Deterville is the founder & CEO of ClearCover Health, a subscription platform that helps people actually understand their coverage, manage claims and appeals, and anticipate costs before they get billed. Fewer surprises. Fewer wasted dollars. More control.

We first crossed paths on Pitch Lift Live. Elisa pitched. I stopped her. “Your background is great,” I said, “but if an investor can’t follow the pitch, none of it lands.” She was trying to cram too much into 30 seconds. So we worked it, line by line, until the story was simple enough to say back in one breath. That moment became the turning point.

A few weeks later, Elisa stepped into The Pitch Lift in New York. It wasn’t a black‑tie affair; it was a real cross‑section of founders—hoodies and suits, first‑timers and veterans—exactly the kind of room we want. She was nervous. She’d only pitched live on TikTok before. But between runs, she practiced with other founders and even a few investors who had just gone through the elevator. When those doors closed, she led with the pain, stated the solution cleanly, and asked for what she needed. Thirty seconds. Clear and human.

Since then, Elisa keeps coming back for reps. We still don’t sugarcoat. She still does the hard work. And the result is what we love to see: a sharper story, stronger intros, and a founder more confident in her own voice.

“If you ever get the chance to connect with Steve or pitch at The Pitch Lift, take it. The feedback, the network, and the experience are unmatched!” — Elisa Deterville, ClearCover Health

What Elisa’s journey reinforces

• Lead with the problem, not the resume. If someone can’t repeat your pitch, it’s not clear yet.
  

• One number > five buzzwords. A traction point or insight beats jargon.
  

• Why now matters. Show the timing advantage.
  

• Make the ask. Intros, pilots, or a check—say it.
  

The Pitch Lift comes to LA (first time)

We’re bringing that same inclusive, high‑energy format to LA Tech Week—and we want founders like Elisa in the room.

• When: Thursday, Oct 16 @ 7:00 PM (prime LA Tech Week slot)
  

• Format: Literally a real elevator pitch — 30 seconds
  

• Prize: $10,000 to the winning pitch
  

• Cost: Free for founders (limited capacity)
  

• Plus: Incredible venue + community‑first sponsors
  

RSVP or apply to pitch:
👉 https://partiful.com/e/FGKtTeLh8TSnU2AicEJy

Can’t make it? Please forward this to founders in your network who should be there. The best rooms are built by the people in them.

Until next time—keep building!

Cheers,

Steve Walsh
Founder, Hands On Angel