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Lightning Round V Pitch Competition

Ready to take your startup’s next chapter? Lightning Round V arrives August 7—where tomorrow’s leading founders meet their moment. Apply now to put your venture in the spotlight and accelerate your path to real traction.

Application

Application Deadline

07/25/2025

Judging Deadline

07/25/2025
Semifinal

Application Deadline

07/25/2025

Judging Deadline

08/01/2025
Final

Application Deadline

08/07/2025

Judging Deadline

08/07/2025
Teaser

Description

Lightning Round V isn’t just another pitch event—it’s a spotlight for ambitious founders to unlock capital, traction, and a powerful support network.


Why Participate?

Capital & Access: Step directly in front of investors and operators who are actively looking to back the next wave of high-potential startups. The winner is fast-tracked to due diligence and considered for a $100k investment.

Accelerated Traction: The top 5 startups receive sponsorship to the Ignite Startup Academy, where hands-on mentorship and resources help you build repeatable, scalable growth.

Network & Community: Join a vibrant ecosystem of founders, mentors, and investors committed to helping each other win. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, connect, and move your company forward.

Real Outcomes: Lightning Round alumni have gone on to secure funding, land major customers, and scale their operations. This is where ambitious ideas become investable businesses.

Eligibility

Pre-seed & Seed Stage Companies 

Process

Competition Overview:

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

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 Pegasus Accelerator Program and $100k of investment.