Announcing the 11th Annual IdeaFest on April 8th: Apply Now!
Apply Now and Save the Date for the 11th IdeaFest Business Pitch Competition on April 8, 2026!
IdeaFest is a Business Pitch Competition where 20 finalists pitch their startup idea to a panel of judges and a live audience. The top three competitors will be awarded $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. We are pleased to announce that this year's event will be at 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. in Danville, Virginia. The IdeaFest competition exposes The Launch Place’s services and funds to start-up companies that are ready to establish or seeking early stage capital.
The Launch Place (TLP) is a lead venture development organization in Southern Virginia and in the Research Triangle, North Carolina. The company's mission is to retain, recruit and develop emerging and serial entrepreneurs in the region. The Launch Place provides seed stage equity investments, business consulting, mentoring/training/coaching services, and office space to its portfolio companies. TLP helps businesses with their business planning, funding, launching and growing needs. The Launch Place’s Seed Fund invests in innovative start-up opportunities.
Applications are OPEN through March 15, 2026! Click below to get started.
2025 IdeaFest Awards Recap
- 1st Place $5,000 Counterforce Health
- 2nd Place $3,000 Seamless Transition
- 3rd Place $2,000 Ara Platforms
Special Thanks to Our 2025 Sponsors
For additional information, contact Varun Sadana at vsadana@thelaunchplace.org.