Pitch Night [Pre-Startup Fest] at District 3

With StartupFest in town, the city is about to pitch for real money. Pitch Night is where you get your reps in --- before it counts.

Got a pitch you're refining --- for investors, a demo day, a panel, or a pitch competition? This is the room to test it before it counts. You've got 3 minutes. No slides. No notes. Just you, your idea, and a room that's actually rooting for you. Here's how the night runs: A quick keynote by Jeffrey on investor-pitch best practices based on research & experience as a pitch coach and VC scout at Front Row Ventures You pitch for 3 minutes. No slides to hide behind. Just your voice and your story Three judges who work in VC, startups, and entrepreneurship will give you fast, tactical feedback, and you get to ask a question or two. gets to ask a question or two. Casual networking! Pitching is open to anyone who wants the seat --- just volunteer on the night and step up. No pressure, no obligation; come ready to pitch or just raise your hand when you feel it. This is for you if you're a founder who is actively pitching or preparing for Startupfest, a demo day, an investor meeting, or another pitch competition.

Come to pitch, or come to watch and learn how it's done!

⚠️ Note: Please only sign up if you plan on attending — spots are limited!

👋 Who are the judges? Jeffrey (the host) is a pitch coach, PhD researcher in psychology at McGill University, Investment Associate at Front Row Ventures, and founder of Unscripted (unscripted.coach). He's worked with 100+ founders and technical leaders to help them communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence - without sounding scripted. His clients have gone on to compete at 3-Minute-Thesis Nationals, National Virtual Pitch Competition Startup Global, and the Dobson Cup Finals.

Charlie Gedeon is a program lead at District 3, designer, and educator focused on how technology shapes understanding, learning, and collaboration. Through his studio work at Pragmatics and his teaching at Concordia University, Charlie creates experiences that reward curiosity and invite reflection. His projects span AI, interface design, and education, driven by the belief that better tools help us ask better questions.

Danneelle Crisp is the CEO of Ellelogic AI, building technology that helps emergency rooms reduce wait times, improve triage efficiency, and support care teams under pressure. She won the 2025 Startupfest BlackInnovation Zone Grant.