PitchBR Returns, Nexus Louisiana Partners with Founder Institute for Open Mic Pitch Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For more information, contact Na'Tisha Natt at natisha@nexusla.org or 225-218-1100

Baton Rouge, LA - Nexus Louisiana is thrilled to announce the return of PitchBR on February 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Red Stick Social, giving Louisiana’s most innovative entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their business ideas. This year, the excitement begins with Founder Institute’s Open Mic Pitch Night from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., just before PitchBR kicks off.

Open Mic Pitch Night is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to pitch their business ideas in a fast-paced, no-slide-deck format. Participants will have one minute to pitch their idea, followed by a two-minute feedback session from a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. The event offers invaluable, real-time feedback for refining pitches and building connections.

“Partnering with Nexus Louisiana for Open Mic Pitch Night is a great way to inspire and connect early-stage founders,” said Rick Mekdessie, director at Founder Institute – Louisiana Chapter. “Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where innovators can sharpen their ideas, gain actionable feedback, and prepare to scale their businesses. This partnership is a powerful step toward growing the startup ecosystem in Louisiana.”

Even if you’re not pitching, join us to hear exciting startup ideas and learn how experts analyze and critique early-stage businesses.

Sign up to pitch at Open Mic Pitch Night here: https://forms.gle/rfA5Lxa9yzkAojHE9

After Open Mic Pitch Night, the main event begins at 6:00 p.m. PitchBR offers local entrepreneurs a chance to boost their brand, gain public exposure, and win $1,000 in cash. Participants will pitch their product or technology to a panel of judges and receive valuable feedback from prominent business consultants.

In addition to the prize money, pitchers will benefit from coaching, networking opportunities, and connections to non-funding resources, such as professional services donors and providers.

Apply to pitch at PitchBR by February 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST at NexusLA.org/pitchBR.

PitchBR is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Attendees can register to attend on the Nexus Louisiana website.

Nexus Louisiana is a Baton Rouge-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides high-potential, technology-enabled companies with the coaching, capital, and connections they need to accelerate their growth.

The Founder Institute (FI) is the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator, operating in 200+ cities across 100+ countries. FI has helped launch over 7,500 companies worldwide by offering a rigorous 4-month program led by seasoned mentors, a global network of entrepreneurs and investors, and a structured approach to turning ideas into scalable businesses.