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Lightning Round VI DTC Pitch Competition

Ready to take your startup’s next chapter? Lightning Round VI arrives Oct 30th— Where the Next Wave of Consumer Brands Breaks Out. Apply now to put your venture in the spotlight and accelerate your path to real traction.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline

10/30/2025
First Round Review

Application Deadline

11/03/2025
Interview

Application Deadline

11/04/2025

Judging Deadline

11/07/2025
Pitch Competition

Application Deadline

11/13/2025
Teaser

Description

Are you building the next breakout DTC brand that consumers can’t stop talking about? The Lightning Round Pitch Competition is your launchpad. This isn’t just another pitch event—it’s a high-stakes, high-visibility opportunity to accelerate your brand’s growth in front of top investors, operators, and retail experts.

Apply now for a shot at a $200,000 investment, plus exposure to leaders shaping the future of consumer and commerce. Finalists will pitch live to a panel of industry insiders who know what it takes to build beloved, enduring consumer companies.

This is your chance to join a curated cohort of bold DTC founders, get fast-tracked to due diligence, and gain access to a network that includes venture funds, retail buyers, brand strategists, and growth partners. The Lightning Round is designed for startups at the inflection point—where early traction is ready to scale into household recognition.

Apply if you are:

  • An early-stage DTC founder with proven traction (revenue, community, or virality)

  • Ready to scale with capital, retail/online expansion, and brand amplification

  • Looking for meaningful connections with investors, brand experts, and growth partners

Don’t miss the opportunity to be seen, funded, and accelerated by the best in consumer innovation. Apply today and pitch your vision where the next iconic brands are launched.

Eligibility

Pre-seed & Seed Stage DTC Companies 

Process

Application Phase: Open to early-stage tech startups ready to disrupt their respective industries.

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 Pegasus’ Accelerate Due Diligence round, positioning them for significant investment and support.

What an Applicant can Obtain


Direct investment consideration up to $200k


Exclusive $1M Perks Package

PR Release to hundreds of news outlets, including the Associated Press!

A spotlight in our monthly investor and LP newsletter, as well as on social media channels

Feedback on product, pitch, and go-to-market strategy from leading investors

Sponsored entry into Ignite DTC powered by SHOPLINE