About The Event
Venture Lane Studio’s Pitch Night is an exclusive event that spotlights the most promising pre-Series A B2B tech startups, offering a platform to showcase innovation to a curated audience of mentors, investors, and industry leaders. As Boston’s leading hub for early-stage startups, Venture Lane is dedicated to sparking meaningful connections that accelerate growth, foster collaboration, and ignite investment opportunities.
This event is more than just a pitch competition—it’s a gateway to success for both startups and investors. With a highly curated selection process, VLS Pitch Night ensures that every startup on stage is primed for growth, creating a dynamic environment for feedback, investor interest, and post-event follow-ups, all designed to make a lasting impact. Through our partnership with All Stage, the startups will gain continued exposure and engagement with event attendees and VLS’s wider network following the event.
Who Should Apply
Our applicant checklist below mirrors what we prioritize in our Studio, where traction is the #1 indicator of startup success. Just as we select companies for the Studio, we focus on startups demonstrating tangible progress—something investors value deeply. Above all, traction shows you're already solving real problems and gaining momentum, which reduces risk and signals growth potential.
Driven Founders
Investors back founders who are resilient, optimistic, and trustworthy. They know these traits help you push through the tough times, which means a better shot at long-term success.
A B2B Tech Company
We specialize in early-stage B2B software companies solving significant problems in large markets. These are prime opportunities for growth. Plus, most of our network is in this space, so you’ll be connecting with people who get it.
A Thought Out Go-to-Market
Having early or beta customers shows that your product is solving a real problem and that you’ve begun refining your sales process. This customer validation is a key factor investors look for when assessing your readiness to scale.
A Ready Product
A functioning MVP or product demonstrates that you’re beyond the concept stage and actively pursuing traction. Investors are drawn to companies that are prepared for growth and customer acquisition.
Actively Fundraising
This event is all about securing investment, for companies who are pre Series A. Actively fundraising means you're ready to take advantage of the opportunities Pitch Night offers, with the goal of connecting directly with investors who are looking to fund the next wave of innovation.
Sounds like you?
Get your application in now to be considered for Pitch Night! Heads-up: applications close on October 22nd, 2024, and early submissions get priority.
Our Approach
An event structure designed to drive investment opportunities, ensuring founders receive the support, connections, and exposure needed to attract top investors and secure funding. From the time of selection, you will have 2-4 weeks to prepare for your pitch.
Selection Process
Our Pitch Night selection process is designed to identify the most promising early-stage B2B tech startups.
- Applications open 6+ weeks before the event start date.
- Final selections are made no less than 2 weeks before Pitch Night.
- A panel of mentors and industry experts will help review applications and select the top startups.
Preparation
Selected startups receive comprehensive support leading up to Pitch Night.
- A detailed pitch structure, backed by our proven thesis, is shared when you are selected as a VLS Pitch Night finalist.
- Startups are paired with mentors for 1:1 guidance to refine their presentations.
- Rehearsal and asynchronous feedback will be had to ensure founders are prepared and confident.
Event Day
Pitch Night will be a day of impact and fun by providing ample opportunities for connection, feedback, and networking.
- 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Welcome and networking
- 6:30 PM - 6:45 PM: Opening remarks from Venture Lane and key partners
- 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM: Startup pitches
- 7:45 PM - 8:30 PM: Networking and closing
Post-Event
Following Pitch Night, we ensure continued engagement and value for both startups and interested investors.
- Access to Venture Lane community resources and programming.
- Participating startups will have access to feedback provided by investors.
- Interested investors will have the ability to access information about, and engage directly with the founders on All Stage following the event.
Who Should Attend?
This event fosters deep connections within the startup ecosystem, from investors sourcing their next deal to mentors looking to guide emerging talent. Founders who are not yet ready to pitch can attend to observe, learn, and network with the Venture Lane community, making it a valuable experience for all involved. RSVP here to reserve your spot!
Attend & Follow Up
Who
Angels, angel groups, and early-stage VCs focusing on early-stage B2B SaaS with early traction and product-market fit.
What's in it for you
• See pitches from a curated group of high-potential early-stage B2B tech startups that have been pre-vetted for traction, product-market fit, and growth potential, using the proven VLS thesis.
• Through All Stage, get involved by providing feedback to pitching companies with the option to indicate investment interest. Post-event, connect directly with the startups that caught your eye and conduct further due diligence.
Attend & Engage
Who
B2B tech experts across various practice industries looking for mentorship opportunities or professional networking.
What's in it for you
• Connect with other experts, investors, and thought leaders in the B2B tech space. This can lead to professional collaborations, partnerships, or future advisory roles.
• Mentors have the opportunity to guide and shape early-stage startups by providing feedback, helping refine their pitches, and offering advice based on their own experiences.
Attend & Network
Who
Not fundraising or pitch-ready yet? No problem! Join us to meet the VL team and connect with our community of experts.
What's in it for you
• Observe how successful startups present their pitch, gain insights on what resonates with investors, and learn tips for refining their own presentations for future opportunities.
• Build relationships with Venture Lane’s tight-knit community of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, opening doors for future conversations.
Frequently asked questions
- 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Welcome and Networking
- 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Opening Remarks
- 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM: Pitches (4-6 startups, each with a 5-minute pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A session)
- 7:45 PM – 8:30 PM: Networking and Closing
- Your company is in the market
- Your product delivers value to customers
- Minimum of $10K in ARR
- You are actively fundraising and are Pre-Series A
- Boston-based founder or within a 1.5 hour radius
Investors can engage with startups through All Stage allowing for real-time audience voting, Q&A submissions, and indicating interest in follow-up discussions. This ensures meaningful interactions and potential collaborations.
After the event, investors or mentors will have access to the companies’ deal rooms on All Stage for comprehensive information about the companies and continued engagement beyond Pitch Night.
We are accepting applications for Venture Lane Studio Pitch Night from October 1, 2024 to October 22, 2024. Submit your application now to be considered for the next steps. Participants will be selected by October 24, 2024.
We focus primarily on B2B companies that have a software component. If you have contracts with government agencies or organizations that’s okay as well. Our Pitch Night event is not geared towards companies that are strictly hardware focused, have a B2C model, and/or are based in the life sciences.
Yes! Sometimes timing is the hardest part. Whatever the case may be, we encourage companies to reapply if they are not admitted their first time around.
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