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Open Pitch is a high-energy startup competition built to discover and support the most promising early-stage tech companies. With hundreds of applicants, 5 finalists, and 1 ultimate winner, Open Pitch is where breakout startups get their first shot at funding and national exposure.

Throughout the competition, top startups pitch live to business leaders and venture capitalists with a proven track record of backing category-defining companies—spotlighting bold ideas, breakthrough technologies, and the founders building what’s next.

Open Pitch has taken place live at Invest Fest in Atlanta from August 22-24, 2025.

Applications are open now. Submit yours through our website. To apply, you’ll need a strong pitch deck and clear info on your team, product, market, traction, and legal details. Show us the problem you’re solving and why your solution is the one that wins. All applications must be submitted by Thursday, July 10th, 2025.

Open Pitch is for early-stage tech founders at any point in the building process. Whether you’ve launched a product, built an MVP, or are just starting to show traction, we want to hear from you. If you’ve got a clear vision, a real problem you're solving, and the drive to build something big—this is your stage.

The winning startup receives a $125,000 investment in exchange for 7% equity in the company. 6% via a YCombinator style SAFE and 1% advisor equity granted to Earn Your Leisure. The investment needs to be made into a Delaware C corp.

Our investment team reviews all applications. From there, we select semifinalists, then narrow it down to five finalists who will pitch live on stage at Invest Fest. Semifinalists will be notified in late July. Finalists will be announced in early August. Check the Home page for the Winner announcement.

You’re still eligible. We welcome startups that have raised early funding, as long as you’re still in the early stages and the Open Pitch investment can help accelerate your next chapter.