Launchpad Liftoff
Pitch Competition
Where Central Florida founders take off. — don’t miss your chance!r chance!
June 11, 2026
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Great Southern Box Company
2105 N. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32804
Thursday
June 11, 2026
Event Hours
5:30PM-9:30PM
Launchpad Liftoff is a curated pitch competition built for founders ready to be seen by the people who write checks. We open applications, review carefully, and select seven founders to take the stage in front of venture capitalists, executives, and funding sources actively looking for their next bet.
A small cohort by design. Every pitch gets full attention from the room — and from the people in it who can change a company's trajectory.
Only seven founders make it to the stage.
Eligibility.
Who cannot apply.
To keep the stage open to new founders, we will not be accepting applications from anyone who has previously pitched in:
✕ Our virtual pitch competitions
✕ Our in-person pitch competitions
✕ The Founder Tech Showcase
This applies whether or not you received a check at a previous event.
The Prize Pool.
The total give-away is being finalized.
TBA
We're in the middle of sponsorship reviews and negotiations. The total prize amount will be announced at a later date — applicants will be the first to know.
The Room.
Even if you don't win, the room itself might be the prize.
The audience will be filled with venture capitalists, high-level executives, and active funding sources. Whether you pitch from the stage or sit in the seats supporting another founder, your next opportunity may be sitting one row over.
→ Pitchers, Supporters, & Connectors All Welcome
The Timeline.
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Apr 28 — May 21
Closes 11:59 PMNo Late Entries
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May 21 — May 27
Selection ProcessInternal Review
-
Notifications
By Friday
May 297 Founders Selected
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Liftoff Stage
June 1 - June 10 Preparation
Provided Official Day Of Itinerary
Last Minute RequestsPitch Day - Thursday, June 11, 2026
Ready For Liftoff?
Applications Close May 21 · 11:59 PM· No Late Submissions
Some of the best things start with someone showing up.
On Thursday, June 11, seven founders are going to walk on stage and put their work in front of a room. What makes that night matter isn't just the pitches — it's who's in the seats. Investors looking for their next bet. Operators looking for their next chapter. Friends, mentors, and people who just love being early to something good.
If that sounds like you, come. Cheer loud. Stay late. You never know who you're sitting next to.
On us: Water, soda, beer, wine, and appetizers — for a limited time.
On you (if you want it): A cash bar for cocktails and more food in the food hall.
Back the founders.
Own the room.
Seven founders. A room full of capital. Sponsors get the stage, the audience, and the after-room. Prize, venue, hospitality, and activation tiers are open now.