Founders Live partnered with the NFT Seattle conference this past weekend. Among the many festivities and events included in the schedule was a web3 pitch competition powered by Founders Live, showcasing 5 new early stage entrepreneurs. 

It was interesting because it wasn’t a full-fledged Founders Live event and quite honestly I didn’t know what to expect out of the experience. 

Were people going to enjoy it? Were they going to be attentive and quiet enough in the venue so that the founder pitches had the entire focus of the event? How would our message of inspiration, education and entertainment land with the audience?

Also, the founders didn’t really know what to expect since this was not a traditional pitch competition and was structured similar to all of Founders Live events around the world - including delivering a 99-second pitch. But they arrived prepared and ready to share their vision with the crowd.

What’s so cool is there is this unique moment in each Founders Live event where I know something special is about to happen.

At that moment, you could feel the energy in the room, the excitement, the tension, the inspiration. People were lining the stairs and leaning over the upper level railing peering down to a full room with a well lit stage in anticipation of fun pitches from their peers.

The presenters took the stage and gracefully delivered 5 great pitches all involving web3 and NFTs within their products or services. It went off without a hitch!

And a winner emerged - voted from the crowd in attendance:

NiftyLit - A new way to publish, powered by blockchain. Read, collect, and support writers and artists you love.

NiftyLit’s founder is Jo Unruh: Jo used to disarm bombs for the Navy, and now she writes. She’s a transfeminine, queer identifying parent who also happens to go by “dad” to her two kiddos. She’s worked in corporate cubicles, defense contracting, and VC. And now, she’s putting her business savvy towards fixing something she believes is broken: the publishing ecosystem. You can find some of her work at www.jounruh.com.

Simply amazing. 

This is why Founders Live is alive and growing throughout the world

We support ALL humans in their quest to be successful. Entrepreneurship is a human right. It doesn't matter where you live, how you identify, what skin color you have, or what language you speak. You are welcome on our stage and are encouraged to pursue your dreams just like anyone else.

We all deserve an equal opportunity for success. And Founders Live opens the doors for that success to happen. 

If you are an author, definitely check out NiftyLit.

Want a door opened for you?

Join in the Prime Time Pitch Competition and share your vision with the world.

Just like Jo, you never know what will happen if you take that first step.