Pure Pitch Rally

Applications open for third annual Pure Pitch Rally

Organizers with the C-Tech Summit announced plans for the third annual Pure Pitch Rally, issuing a call for startup businesses and investors to apply for the event’s pitching competition to win early-stage funding.

The invitation-only event will take place from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 10 at The American Restaurant, 200 E. 25th St. in Kansas City. Organizers said they expect more than 200 CEOs and angel investors to attend the event, which will occur during Techweek Kansas City.

Modeled after the TV show “Shark Tank,” eight entrepreneurs will pitch for spot-cash funding to “land sharks,” a panel of investors who will judge the presentations. Up to $80,000 in cash and $500,000 in Amazon AWS Activate Credits will be rewarded.

Last year, local edtech start Pennez won the competition, winning $8,000 from the “land sharks” along with a free office space at Plexpod and AWS credits.

Pure Pitch Rally sponsors include BKD, Polsinelli, Circle Sideways and Fenaroli & Associates. Karen Fenaroli, the founder of the C-Tech Summit and the Pure Pitch Rally, said in a news release that the rally has helped create a valuable partnership between startup businesses and investors.

“With every Pitch Rally we hold, we are truly creating the future of Kansas City and establishing an expectation that successful business professionals in our great city are willing and excited about supporting upcoming talent!” Fenaroli said.

Startups that wish to apply to complete can sign up at CTECHSummit.org. The deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 14.