Pitches & Punchlines

Founders pitch. Drag queens roast. Investors critique. Everyone laughs, learns, and grows.

The Format: Five-minute startup pitches followed by panel feedback that ranges from razor-sharp business insights to perfectly-timed comedic roasts, plus real-time pitch coaching for founders and audience alike.

The Scene: The Detour arcade bar (where downtown meets The Castro) with craft cocktails, elevated bar food, giant screens, and arcade games for post-pitch networking.

The Crowd: LGBTQ+, TGNC+, and allied founders, investors, and operators who know the best businesses come from authentic perspectives.

The Vibe: Learn, laugh, connect—then stick around for Super Smash Bros on the big screen or spill into the Castro to keep the night going.

Produced by StartOut, the national organization connecting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with resources, community, and capital.

This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.

Founders, if you want to pitch for a chance at prizes and expert feedback to up your game, email us at: [email protected]

Are you interested in sponsoring or co-partnering with this event? Please email us at: [email protected]

Host or Publisher StartOut San Francisco