StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch competition was a spectacular success.
Last November, a packed Westport Library crowd watched as 5 startups — 2 healthcare companies, a tax platform for college athletes, an environmentally conscious mushroom-based snack, and a new marketplace for wheels — competed for $25,000 total in non-dilutive funding, in a “Shark Tank”-like scenario.
The WheelPrice marketplace won $20,000. The other 4 split the remaining $5,000.
The $20,000 winner: WheelPrice.
This year, the Pitch Competition returns. The total prize is now $30,000. The winner gets $25,000. The finale is November 19.
Applications are live (click here).
StartUp Westport seeks early-stage startups, with bold ideas and a clear solution to real market problems. Criteria include:
● Pre-institutional funding round
● Existing corporation in an evaluable category
● Connecticut-based founder or strong state association
● Scalable business model
● No “sin” products (smoke/vape, alcohol, etc.)
Key dates include:
● June 12: Applications close at midnight
● September 22, 23, 24: Mandatory participant bootcamp
● November 19: Live pitch finale @Westport Library
“We had high expectations last year. But we were still astonished by the quality and quantity of applications by Connecticut’s most innovative entrepreneurs,” says Peter Propp, StartUp Westport vice president and Pitch co-chair.
“It was great to work with all of our participants and finalists.”
Co-chair Shobana Mani adds, “In 2025 we attracted great, diverse startups from all over the state. Each company had their own challenges and experiences, and it was exciting to see them help each other succeed. It was awesome to see WheelPrice get their big check at the finals!”
For more information and to apply, click here.
