Founders Live NYC Relaunch to Ignite AI Startup Scene

Founders Live, a globally recognized pitch competition network, is relaunching in New York City on June 26th after a multi-year hiatus. The event, hosted at The Yard-Herald Square, kicks off at 6:00pm and is open to founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts eager to dive into the city's AI-driven startup scene. City leader Rion Haber emphasized the unmatched energy of NYC's startup community, aiming to make Founders Live the launchpad for groundbreaking ideas. Founder and CEO Nick Hughes expressed excitement about rejoining the global network of over 150 cities. The relaunch taps into NYC's accelerating technology sector, where AI development has fueled competition and talent demand over the past two years.

Participants gain more than recognition: they access industry connections, investor visibility, and sponsored prizes. Winners advance to an annual global competition, pitching against peers from around the world. Founders can apply to pitch via the organization's website, while attendees can claim free tickets on the official Eventbrite page. Organizations seeking to engage with NYC's startup ecosystem are encouraged to contact event organizers directly. Founders Live operates in over 150 cities and 55 countries, featuring 99-second pitches followed by Q&A, with winners progressing through regional, national, and global levels. The network also offers a Backchannel community and Backstage Intelligence platform to support founders.

This relaunch signifies Founders Live's commitment to fostering early-stage innovation in one of the world's most dynamic tech hubs. By providing a structured yet fast-paced format, the event aims to uncover and amplify the next wave of AI-driven startups emerging from New York City. The competition not only offers immediate feedback and networking but also a pathway to international exposure, making it a critical opportunity for founders seeking to scale their ventures in a competitive landscape.