Palo Alto Startups, Investors, Professionals: Pitch & Networking Event

2026-09-29 · 19:00:00 · Redwood City

Blacksmith

2048 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063

Held at Blacksmith in Redwood City, this rapid-fire gathering gives founders, investors, and professionals a one-minute pitch slot alongside structured networking.

Connect with startups, investors, and industry experts for an evening of rapid-fire pitches, conversations and opportunities.

This isn’t your average networking event—it’s a high-energy evening centered around live pitching, real conversations, and new opportunities. Everyone attending is welcome to pitch. Whether you’re building something, investing, advising, or exploring your next move, you’ll get a 1-minute slot to introduce yourself, share your idea, or ask for what you need. No slides, no panels—just straight to the point. Why Attend? Founders: Pitch your startup, gain visibility, and connect with potential investors, partners, or co-founders. Investors: Get quick insights into a variety of startups and meet ambitious entrepreneurs. Advisors & Experts: Share your experience, discover collaboration opportunities, or join a project that excites you. Newcomers: Practice your pitch in a supportive space and grow your network fast. What to Expect: Open networking on arrival to meet fellow attendees in a relaxed setting A pitching session where everyone has the chance to take the mic for 1 minute More networking after the pitches —so you can follow up with the people who caught your attention A curated, welcoming crowd of founders, investors, and tech professionals Who Should Attend: Startup Founders and Co-founders: Entrepreneurs at the helm of innovative startups looking for networking, investment, and growth opportunities. Investors and Venture Capitalists: Individuals an

Founder brief

Who should attend

Early-stage founders searching for capital, co-founders, or partners will find the floor open for quick asks. Investors and venture capitalists can scout a cross-section of emerging ideas, while industry advisors and newcomers looking to practice public speaking can easily jump into the mix.

What happens

Arrivals start at 7:00 PM with open networking and an introductory overview. At 7:30 PM, the session shifts to rapid-fire 60-second elevator pitches with no slides or panels allowed. The final hour from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM is dedicated to follow-up conversations sparked by the presentations.

Who's in the room

Attendees comprise a sector-agnostic mix of startup founders, venture capitalists, angel investors, advisors, and tech professionals across all company stages. The atmosphere is oriented around mutual introductions, connecting builders directly with potential backers and collaborators.

How to prepare

Rehearse a tight, 60-second verbal pitch that highlights your core problem, your solution, and a precise ask without relying on slides. Keep your contact details or digital business card handy so you can quickly follow up during the concluding open networking hour.

Organizer: The Founders Club

Register

At a glance

Tickets
9.85 – 39.19 USD
Refunds
Refunds up to 7 days before event
Stage
Any
Sectors
Agnostic

Agenda

  1. 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM · Welcome — Kick off the evening with a warm introduction and overview of how the networking and pitch session will run.
  2. 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Elevator Pitch — Each participant will have the opportunity to deliver a short 60-second elevator pitch to the room. This is your chance to introduce your business, share what you’re building, and clearly state what you're looking for — investment, partnerships, clients, or talent.
  3. 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM · Networking — Open networking session. Connect with founders, investors, and professionals in a relaxed setting. Continue conversations sparked during pitches, exchange contacts, and explore collaboration opportunities.

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