Tech BBQ Throwdown | WTIA
🔥 The BBQ battle of the summer is back!
The WTIA Tech BBQ Throwdown is a rooftop showdown where Seattle’s startup ecosystem comes to eat, compete, and connect. Join founders, investors, and tech builders for an afternoon of sizzling sliders, homemade sauces, and grill-side games — all with a backyard party vibe.
Thanks to our partners for making this event possible!
🔥 Three teams enter the ring:
Team Startup: Pradnya Desh, Udam Dewaraja, Apurva Luty, MH Lines
Team Angel Investor: Jenn Henry, Peter Vierthaler, Danna Redmond, Carrie Cowan
Team Venture Capitalist: Brook Borseth, Mack Hopen, Yoko Okana, Joe King
Grab a plate, cast your vote, and cheer on your favorites as they battle for BBQ glory in our Best Burger and BBQ Sauce competitions.
🍔🥇 Good food, great people, and just enough chaos to keep it fun.
Spots are limited (75–100 attendees).
Whether you're grilling or just here for the grub, we’d love to have you.
Date & Time:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Food served at 3:30 PM)
📍 Location
UW CoMotion – Fluke Hall Rooftop
TEAM STARTUP
Pradnya Desh
Founder & CEO - Advocat AI
Udam Dewaraja
Founder & CEO - StitcherAI
Apurva Luty
Founder & CEO - Optimly
MH Lines
Product Leader & CEO - Stack Moxie
TEAM ANGEL INVESTORS
Jenn Wrenn Henry
Managing Partner - VentureUs
Peter Vierthaler
CEO - Synergy Investments
Danna Redmond
Founding Member and Deal Lead - FBomb Angels
Carrie Cowan
Angel Investor - The Council
TEAM VC
Brook Borseth
Investor - FUSE
Mack Hopen
EIR - Acequia Capital
Yoko Okano
Founding Partner - First Row Partners
Joe King
Product Fellow - Mighty Capital