🚀 We Just Crushed The Pitch Lift LA

Last week, we took The Pitch Lift to Los Angeles Tech Week — and this one was something special.

Over 400 founders applied to pitch inside the elevator.
We once again had a waitlist that went deep, proving how much this community wants to show up, share, and grow.

And this time, we brought a few new twists to the experience:

✅ HubSpot “Fast Pass” – for the first time ever, founders could skip the line and guarantee a chance to pitch. (Shoutout to the HubSpot team for making that happen.)

🏆 HelpBnk as Title Sponsor – another first. The HelpBnk team stepped up in a huge way to help us expand what The Pitch Lift can do for early-stage founders. Together, we gave away $10,000 in non-dilutive funding to the winning pitch.

💡 The Winner:
Matt Ho, Founder of Manzano, took home the $10K prize — but honestly, every founder who pitched that night walked away with value.

Founders got live feedback, mentorship, and direct introductions to investors and partners who can help them grow their businesses. That’s what The Pitch Lift is really about — building a space where founders don’t just pitch, they progress.

🧠 The Bigger Picture

Every time we run this event, I’m reminded that access changes everything.
It’s not just about capital — it’s about connection.
The right feedback, at the right time, can change the trajectory of a company.

And that’s what keeps me (and our crew) pushing this thing city to city — because founders everywhere deserve the chance to be seen and supported.

🌴 Next Stop: Miami (Art Basel Week)

We’re already in planning mode for The Pitch Lift Miami, happening during Art Basel, December 5–7.
Once again, we’ll be teaming up with HelpBnk to deliver another world-class experience for founders.

If you’re a founder in the Miami or South Florida startup scene — or a partner who wants to get involved — stay tuned.
Applications open soon, and spots go fast.

🙌 Massive Thanks

To everyone who made LA possible — our sponsors, partners, judges, and especially the founders who had the courage to pitch.

And to our crew — Rob, Jess, Kim, Akshita, Bharat, Gavin, Chris, Josh, and Ray — none of this happens without you.

Until next time — keep building, keep pitching, and keep showing up.

– Steve Walsh

🔗 Want more tactical advice like this?
Check out my course The Funding Accelerator to fast-track your raise →The Funding Accelerator