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Lightning Round VIII Pitch Competition

Focused, high-speed selection for execution-obsessed AI and frontier-tech founders: one crisp pitch, operator-grade questions, and a fast track to $100k plus entry into 1752vc’s Accelerate program.

Early Bird Application

Application Deadline

05/15/2026

Application Deadline

05/15/2026

Judging Deadline

05/15/2026
Application

Application Deadline

05/29/2026

Application Deadline

05/29/2026

Judging Deadline

05/29/2026
Semi-Final

Application Deadline

05/22/2026

Application Deadline

05/22/2026

Judging Deadline

05/29/2026
Final

Application Deadline

06/18/2026

Application Deadline

06/18/2026

Judging Deadline

06/18/2026

Investment Details

Investment Amount
$100,000.00
Percentage Equity
N/A

Description

Lightning Round VIII is a focused, high‑speed selection event to identify early‑stage tech startups for 1752's Accelerate—our execution‑first accelerator with $100k direct investment. The format is simple: crisp pitches, operator‑grade questions, and decisive outcomes. We prioritize founders with technical depth, rapid iteration, and early traction signals.

Winning founders get $100k at acceptance, access to our investor and mentor network, media amplification, and distribution pathways, plus a rigorous operating cadence to accelerate product‑market fit, growth, and fundraising. If you’re building defensible tech and moving fast, this is the gateway into 1752's Accelerate.

Eligibility

  • An early-stage founder with proven traction in frontier tech, AI, or deep technology
  • Ready to scale with investor backing and industry support
  • Looking for meaningful connections with capital, expertise, and global networks

Process

  • Application Phase: Open to early‑stage tech startups ready to disrupt their industries with a clear technical edge (software, AI, frontier tech).
  • Selection Process:  Applicants will be narrowed down to 5 finalists pitching live over Zoom to our extensive investor network.
  • Grand Prize: The winner will be fast-tracked to 1752’ Accelerate Due Diligence round, positioning them for significant investment and support.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  • Exclusive $1M Perks Package.
  • A spotlight in our monthly investor and LP newsletter as well as social media channels.
  • Feedback on product, pitch, and go-to-market strategy from leading investors.
  • Automatic acceleration through our due diligence process to round 3 (of which only the top 2% of applicants achieve) for a chance to be accepted into the 1752's Accelerate and $100k of investment.