After a multi-year hiatus, Founders Live, a globally recognized pitch competition network, is set to return to New York City on June 26. The official relaunch event begins at 6:00pm at The Yard-Herald Square (106 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001) and is open to founders, investors, and anyone interested in exploring the city's distinct technology landscape.
Startup-focused events like Founders Live play an increasingly significant role in NYC's technology ecosystem, offering the city's most active early-stage leaders a forum to present projects, field questions, gather feedback, and build the connections necessary for growth in the critical early phases of a company's development. The event taps into the city's growing AI-driven startup scene, where innovation has long been embedded in New York City's identity. The recent surge in AI development has intensified competition among startups in the region, as well as demand for the talent that supports them. Growth across the city's technology sector has accelerated considerably over the last 24 months, with no indication of a slowdown on the horizon.
Founders Live NYC City Leader, Rion Haber, said of the event: "The startup community in New York City is unmatched; our goal is to become the most important launch point for the ideas that are powering it." The organization's founder and CEO, Nick Hughes, added that he is "ecstatic to have NYC back as one of over 150 cities hosting an event globally."
Beyond recognition, Founders Live participants gain access to industry connections, visibility among potential investors, and sponsored prizes. Winners also advance to an annual competition among event winners from around the world, where they pitch against global competitors. This structure provides a pathway for startups to scale their reach and attract investment.
Anyone interested in Founders Live NYC can get involved by applying to pitch on the organization's website or attending via free tickets on the official Eventbrite page. Organizations looking to connect with the NYC-area startup community should reach out directly to event organizers.
Founders Live is a global network of entrepreneurs spanning over 150 cities and 55 countries, built to inspire, educate, and connect founders at early-stage startups. Its pitch competitions feature five unique 99-second pitches followed by 4-minute Q&A sessions. Winners advance through regional, national, and global competitions, where increased exposure can open a range of investment opportunities. Alongside in-person events, Founders Live offers a Backchannel community and a Backstage Intelligence platform, both designed to support the success of startup founders.