Live Startup Pitch Contest in the Investor Arena

​Part of Twin Cities Startup Week 2026, September 14–18.

​Do you want to know what it's like to pitch your startup to investors? Join us in the Investor Arena to watch startup founders pitch to investors. We'll feature startups at various stages - Preseed, Seed, Series A - who will pitch, navigate investor Q&A, and receive feedback.

​This is for:

• ​Founders: See what the process is like, from constructing and presenting a winning pitch to navigating real-time Q&A.

• ​Investors: Preview innovative companies and talent, and learn from seasoned angels and VCs.

• ​Students: Watch real-world entrepreneurs in action and learn what a venture-backable company looks like.

​Judging Panel:

• ​Sara Russick, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Gopher Angels, Founding General Partner of Capita3 -- Host and judge

• ​Stephanie Rich, Partner, Platform at Bread & Butter Ventures

• ​Elise Riniker, Senior Associate at Mairs & Power Venture Capital

• ​Sri Manikandan, Investment Analyst at Idea Fund of La Crosse

​Getting here on Thursday. Parking, Basecamp, lunch, and the rest of the day: tcstartupweek.com/thursday