• 2023 InnoVets Pitch Competition

Local Veteran and Gold Star Family businesses pitch for their chance to win $25,000 in prizes.

About this Event

InnoVets Boston and Massachusetts Fallen Heroes are thrilled to announce our 3rd Annual Pitch Competition for Veteran- and Gold Star Family-owned businesses.

There’s a massive amount of energy and support for startups working to impact their communities. The InnoVets competition has become a catalysis for this support, providing participating startups an opportunity for disruptive growth and success.

InnoVets celebrates emerging entrepreneurship with a fast-paced pitch competition featuring early-stage startups.

Join us in helping startup businesses and celebrating and showcasing our new location at 12 Channel St. in Boston’s Innovation District.

Apply to Compete Attend the Event

Date and Venue

The competition will take place on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Emond Center for Engagement (ECE) located at 12 Channel Street, Boston, Suite 603 in Boston’s Innovation District.

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Three Reasons to Participate

  • 1. Visibility and Recognition

  • 2. Grow as an Entrepreneur

  • 3. The Prizes

Eligibility Requirements

  • The competition is open to Veterans and Gold-Star Family members.
  • Launched an early-stage startup company.
  • Be incorporated with a management team and a public-facing website.
  • Be able to convey a sustainable business model.
  • Be able to demonstrate user traction, engagement, and adoption.
  • Must not have raised over $250,000 in funds from combined funding sources at the time of application.

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity: Originality of the idea.
  • Potential: Longevity, actualization, and profitability of the idea.
  • Functionality: Usability of interface for the idea.
  • Team/People: Who is your team and how will they make your company a success.

2023 Judges

  • Vanessa Longborg – Sweet Rickey
  • Brian Shortsleeve – M33 Growth
  • Peter Rice – CEO, Hanscom Federal Credit Union
  • Greg Hill – WEEI/ Greg Hill Foundation
  • Jack Child – Veteran Franchise Group

How to Apply

Five startups will be selected as finalists to compete in the live event.

Applications are due by Wednesday May 10, 2023.

Apply Now to Compete

2022 Winners

1st Place Winner – $12,500
Lulu Ayube | The Salem Witch Plant

2nd Place Winner – $7500
Erik Diedrichsen | Riverbend Resources Inc

3rd Place Winner – $5000
Seth Jordan | ServeDao

2019 Winners

1st Place Winner – $5000
Jonathan Falcone | Uproot

2nd Place Winner – $3000
Wayne Dudding | OLGS

3rd Place Winner – $2000
Courtney Wilson | DropZone for Veterans

2018 Winners

1st Place Winner – $5000
Nathan Stempel | Aulera

2nd Place Winner – $3000
Joe Kurtenbach | LawCuts

3rd Place Winner – $2000
Daniel Wagner | Meeting Analytics

2017 Winners

1st Place Winner – $5000
Jack Child | G-Force Franchise Group

2nd Place Winner – $3000
Ty Demarest & Ahkym Corbin | Shuttle.dog

Crowd Favorite – $2000
Bryan Fuller | Power Rowing