Founders Live, a globally recognized pitch competition network, is set to return to New York City on June 26 after a multi-year hiatus. The official relaunch event will begin at 6:00 p.m. at The Yard-Herald Square, located at 106 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001. The event 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 New York City's technology ecosystem. They offer 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 relaunch comes at a time when innovation has long been embedded in New York City's identity, and 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. The organization was built to inspire, educate, and connect founders at early-stage startups who value community-driven support and feedback. All Founders Live pitch competitions feature five unique 99-second pitches followed by four-minute Q&A sessions for each presenter. Winners advance through regional, national, and global competitions, where increased exposure can open a range of investment opportunities and more. Alongside in-person events, Founders Live offers a Backchannel community and a Backstage Intelligence platform, both designed to support the success of startup founders.
Anyone interested in Founders Live NYC can get involved by applying to pitch on the organization's website. Those wishing to attend can claim free tickets on the official Eventbrite page. Organizations looking to connect with the NYC-area startup community, including founders, investors, and others, should reach out directly to event organizers.
The implications of this relaunch are significant for New York City's startup ecosystem. With AI development accelerating, events like Founders Live provide a critical platform for early-stage companies to gain visibility, attract investment, and build the networks needed to scale. For the broader industry, the return of Founders Live to NYC signals the city's continued vitality as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
