Horn Entrepreneurship and E-club will host the Fall Pitch Party on Wednesday, October 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Venture Development Center. The Fall Pitch Party is designed for those new to pitching an idea, with students sharing startup concepts to an audience of their peers and a panel of judges composed of recent entrepreneurial alumni. This year's event is particularly special, as we return to an in-person format for the first time in years. Advance registration is required for both spectators and presenters. Register by October 19.
The Fall Pitch Party is an event hosted each semester in which undergraduate students pitch an idea in 90 seconds for a new business, innovation or invention in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Judges provide feedback to help them further their ideas. Pitches may be formal, informal, creative, comedic as long as the idea is clear. Props and prototypes are permitted. Additional criteria and rules can be found on the registration page.
Participants will be pitching for a share of $1500 in reimbursable funds toward startup costs. Prizes will also be awarded for the Most Creative, Most Promising, Most Interesting and Most Motivated. Presenter spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
“The Fall Pitch Party is ideal for beginners and newcomers—all you need is an idea!” says Dr. Dan Lee, professor of entrepreneurship and faculty lead for the Fall Pitch Party. “If you've ever had a problem or frustration, pitch party is a great place to debut your innovative way to solve it.”
Who is eligible to pitch?
All undergraduate students from any major and college are welcome to pitch.
Who is eligible to watch?
All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to watch as UD students pitch innovative ideas. Advanced registration is required.
Where is the Pitch Party held?
The Fall Pitch Party will be in-person at the Venture Development Center from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
What do the winning teams receive?
Three winners will share the prize pool of $1,500 in reimbursable funds - $750 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third. Winners of the night’s topical prizes will be awarded gift cards for their accomplishment.
Why is it called a party?
It’s supposed to be fun and low key. It is the premiere opportunity for students new to pitching or in the early stages of idea development to help refine their pitch and practice. The judges are a panel of alumni who have been in the presenters’ shoes. The feedback they give helps improve the students’ ideas.
Will there be a theme?
The theme is going to be space. Launch your idea into the world, discover the undiscovered, start momentum, achieve great heights.
Is there a dress code?
No, there is no dress code.
Want a little more guidance?
Horn offers many resources, opportunities and programs for people in the UD community interested in entrepreneurship. Whether you have an idea, a product, technology or research, the team is here to guide you. Each person and startup's path is different, so fill out this form and an experienced team member will contact you with recommendations.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
Horn Entrepreneurship serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.