6th Annual Pure Pitch Rally Seeks Applications from KC Startups for Next Cohort

Editor's Note: Heads up! Applications have been extended through Aug. 20!

Have the itch to pitch your tech startup? Here’s your chance, founders, because the Pure Pitch Rally is accepting applications for its 2021 cohort.

Enterprising startups based in the Kansas City area can apply for the opportunity to be one of eight companies selected to pitch at the event at PurePitchRally.com/apply. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 13.

Pure Pitch Rally brings together more than 130 CEOs, VIPs, angel funders and investors to

network and collaborate while supporting the local tech startup community. This one-of-a-kind

event offers non-dilutive spot-cash funding to pitchers. In keeping with its mission to put entrepreneurs in the room with decision-makers and investors, Pure Pitch Rally is planned as an in-person event Oct. 18 in the City Beautiful Ballroom at the Loews Kansas City Hotel with safety measures in place.

Bringing together an exceptional number of leading executives and investors, Pure Pitch Rally

underscores Kansas City's commitment to expanding its role as a national tech leader. Playing off ABC hit show “Shark Tank” and Kansas City’s landlocked location, a pre-selected panel of executives called “land sharks” will judge the startups’ pitches. Each land shark will directly fund and donate $1,000 to the startup pitcher of his or her choice, while attendees will vote to award an additional funding prize to the People’s Choice winner.

On top of cash funding, selected pitchers will be invited to four exclusive events that aim to help founders to make the most of the Pure Pitch Rally spotlight:

Pitch Bootcamp: In preparation for the big event, Eric Morgenstern, CEO of Morningstar Communications, will share his Generally Accepted Presentation Principles to help pitchers understand the 10 core principles of GAPP and be able to develop and deliver more persuasive presentations with this proven process. He will then provide individual pitch coaching for refinement.

Brand Bootcamp: Following the event, marketing experts from Circle Sideways and partners will team up to break down each pitcher’s biggest marketing challenges and brainstorm ways to turn them into opportunities for solidifying the brand and positioning the company successfully for growth.

Fund Bootcamp: With a pitch and brand well on their way to being perfected, our participants will have the opportunity to pick the brains of professionals from sponsors BKD and Polsinelli to address their funding and financial accounting needs. This bootcamp encourages collaboration across pitchers to identify pressing questions that will get answered.

Product Dev Bootcamp: An essential part of success in building a tech startup is strategically executing product development. Land sharks and sponsors will divulge the secrets of building a winning tech stack that positions our founders to engage clients and customers, generate revenue and prepare to scale.

Pure Pitch Rally is an effort supported by local businesses to enhance the startup ecosystem. Presenting sponsors include BKD, Circle Sideways, Fenaroli & Associates, Park University and Polsinelli. Affiliate sponsors are Artisan Technology Group, C3 Capital and Morningstar Communications. Additional sponsors, as well as committed land sharks, will be announced in the months leading up to the event.