I adjust my name tag, scan the crowded room, and approach some friendly faces. I joined the conversation and discovered the networking attendee was the owner of an early-stage startup. 

My eyes widen, and I feel that spark of excitement when I ask, “Would you consider pitching at our next Founders Live event”? 

The startup founder shifts in nervousness, but you can see in their face they want the world to know about their fantastic idea and find the help they so desperately need to grow their company.

The drive, the creativity, the determination to take an idea, build upon it, and have the resources to employ our community and exceptional products and services to make our lives better. I enjoy sharing stories from founders, matching them to the people who can help, and celebrating their wins. This is what I love the most about entrepreneurship. 

I experienced my first Founders Live event in Seattle in late 2022 at a conference. The showcased event was described as “the ultimate entrepreneurship experience and pitch competition” and I was instantly intrigued. I enjoyed the lively atmosphere, supportive and enthusiastic audience members, and impressive startup founders.

The unique event format for every Founders Live event consists of five founders who pitch their businesses in 99 seconds, followed by 4 minutes of Q&A from the audience. Once the pitches are complete, the audience votes on their favorite. The winner receives prizes and a chance to pitch again on the Founders Live worldwide stage. 

My first experience was both inspiring and entertaining and I concluded that Spokane needed this! After that event, I approached Nick Hughes, the CEO of Founders Live. I asked if he wanted to add Spokane to the list of participating cities. Since it originated in Seattle, Spokane should also represent the Inland Northwest. He agreed, and I soon became the City Leader of Founders Live Spokane, with my first event in January 2023.

Throughout the year, we held four events with 20 different startups pitching to an audience of 50-80 people. These businesses ranged from products such as adaptive clothing, mini fire pits, and gingerbread house kits to services such as organic farming, leadership communities, bartering and search apps, and podcasts. 

All of these companies had unique and innovative aspects that were impressive and groundbreaking. Most importantly, these Founders faced their fears by getting up on stage and showing the Spokane community what they were excited about.  Attendees, participants, and sponsors were given the platform they needed to share their stories and make important connections.

Winners received prizes from local businesses such as law firms, marketing agencies, and consultants. The grand prize from Founders LIve includes free annual membership to their Professional Boost program, which provides over $900,000 in discounts for software and services for startups. Plus, the entrepreneurs are part of a global organization where they can attend workshops, connect with funding opportunities, and ask questions to a supportive online community with entrepreneurs from all over the world.

You can get involved with this entertaining event by volunteering on our planning committee, donating a prize, sponsoring an event, providing entertainment, food, or beverages, or connecting the founders to the resources and people to help their businesses. 

And, of course, attend the events or even pitch!

Our next event will be on January 31, 2024, at Burbity Workspaces in Spokane Valley. 

Sign up to pitch your startup at FoundersLive.com/pitch. 

Please find all the links to our event registration and the websites of all our founders who have pitched. https://linktr.ee/founderslivespokane