Founders Live joins forces with Connect for Idea Week 2026!

(See the Full Schedule of events for Idea Week 2026)San Diego founders, builders, operators, and investors - Join us for an incredible evening…

Founders Live is an unforgettable networking experience and pitch competition sweeping the globe.

5 founders99-second pitches4 minutes of audience Q&AYOUR VOTES decide the winner!

So bring your friends and coworkers and get to know your local entrepreneurs and vote for what you think will be the next big thing… built in SoCal.

These events sell out so get your tickets early!

Know someone who should attend? Open The Door

Starring

Rob Gaudio (Gaudio Growth Partners) as the City Leader

Co-Hosts:Brittney Jenkins Buzz Marketing, Jeff Severson Primary Funding, Matt Streeter West Pac Weatlh Partners

Competing Founders and Startups

TBA

Interested in pitching at this or a future event? Apply here!Know someone who should pitch? Open The Door

Agenda

6:00 PM - Networking7:00 PM - Announcements, Sponsors, and Pitch Competition8:00 PM - Networking and After Party

Important Notes:Parking: plenty of open self-parking in parking lot (free)Dress Code: business casual attireSponsored Food & Beverage: enjoy happy hour courtesy of our sponsors

Winners

The Founders Live winners package includes:

  • Front Row membership with unlimited access to Backstage Intelligence and the Backchannel community

  • Founders Live Booster Pack over $1,000,000 in cash savings on 100+ essential apps and services for startups

  • An appearance in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers with a chance to advance to our Prime Time global livestream tournament

Partners

Enter the Pitch Video Challenge!

This is your chance to share your story in a 99-second pitch video.

Prizes start at 250 votes.

Get notified when entries open for the 2026 edition!

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Tell them to attend an event, pitch their startup, or even lead a Founders Live city.

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Keywords: #FoundersLive #Startups #SanDiego #PitchCompetition #Entrepreneurship