Sep 18, 9:30 PM – Sep 19, 12:00 AM (UTC)
NextCorps, 260 E Main St, Suite 6000, Rochester, 14604
Same pitches from founders that you love but with big prizes including pitching on the main stage at the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley + free passes and an exhibition booth.
Get tickets
Think your startup has what it takes?
We are looking for tech-driven and scalable companies.
Format:
1-minute pitch with 1 slide competition structure
All selected startups will be notified by their respective Chapter Director in the coming weeks, ahead of the battles.
PRIZES
Crowned “Startup of the Year” in your local Chapter
Featured for 12 months on your Chapter’s YouTube video (1–2 min pitch video required)
Added to the All-Star Pitch Battle Playlist on SG’s YouTube (83.6k+ subscribers)
Automatically qualify for the Global Pitch Battle – February 2026
AGENDA
5:30pm - Make friends
6:00pm - Pitches
7:00pm - Conquer the world
PITCH FORMAT
Startup Pitch - 1 minute, 1 slide
Open Q&A - 3 minutes
MEET THE FOUNDERS
....coming soon....
We're looking for pre-seed, seed and series A startup. Apply to pitch
MEET THE JUDGES
...coming soon...
If you are an active angel investor or VC and want to judge contact us at michael.thaney@startupgrind.com
LOCATION
📍NextCorps - 260 E Main St - Sibley Building
WANT TO PITCH?
Apply now:
https://airtable.com/appxzBECTclOdlCMV/pagPWgo85HUuyCkN8/form
Want to present your startup or any interesting topic or do a fireside chat? Sign up to pitch in our next pitch in here
LEARN MORE
To learn more about the SG Global Pitch Battle rounds and prizes:
https://about.startupgrind.com/all-star-pitch-battle-2025/
Your support helps our team run these events! Startup Grind Rochester is a volunteer-led community organization. We operate the Pitch In events free of charge, however, if you would like to support our community and help us grow please consider one of the paid ticket options! Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all soon!
👉🏽 Help us spotlight the next 100 rising stars shaping the future of AI—nominate a builder, researcher, founder, or leader you admire for the Mayfield | Divot AI List today.
September 18 – 19, 2025
9:30 PM – 12:00 AM (UTC)
Startup Grind
Director
CivicPulse
Community Outreach Lead
MillerKnoll
Software Portfolio Manager
CoPivot
Founder Relations
SchoolQuizz
Community Manager
InfoPreserve Inc.
Founder @ InfoPreserve
Advisor
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