IDEApitch

IDEApitch is an annual pitch competition that showcases the top companies in The Idea Village’s VILLAGEx* accelerator program. IDEApitch is traditionally the culmination of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) which takes place in March each year.

Initially seeded in 2010 by Jim and Penny Coulter and presented as “The Coulter Challenge,” this highly competitive startup showcase offers select VILLAGEx companies a premier platform to publicly launch their startup and compete to win IDEApitch.

Many of the region’s most successful startups have taken part in IDEApitch, including Levelset, Lucid - A Cint Group Company (New Orleans’ first unicorn!), and many others. In 2021 alone, alumni of The Idea Village realized over $1.7 billion in exit value, with many of them rising to public consciousness on the IDEApitch stage.

*VILLAGEx is a four-month, industry agnostic accelerator that equips high-growth startups with the mentors, expertise, and other resources needed to take their venture to scale. Learn more here.


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 IDEAPITCH WINNER: SPOT2NITE!

Read more about ALL IDEAPITCH 2025 COMPANIES: SPOT2NITE, JURISDEED, RCOAST, AND ARIx.

 

IDEApitch COMPANIES ARE BUILDING VENTURES
IN A RANGE OF INDUSTRIES

 
 

About the IDEApitch & Momentum Fund

Launched in 2023, The Idea Village’s Momentum Fund is a $6.7 million venture capital fund designed to invest in standout alumni of the VILLAGEx accelerator program. Backed by leading founders, family offices, and Louisiana Economic Development’s SSBCI program, the fund provides capital to help high-potential startups scale.

Eligible VILLAGEx graduates can receive a $100,000 investment within 18 months of completing the program, while the annual IDEApitch winner at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week may receive $250,000. Investments are made at market terms and require companies to secure additional private funding. Though affiliated with The Idea Village, the fund is independently managed, ensuring long-term support for startups while allowing the nonprofit to share in their success.

 
“This investment not only helps new startups born out of The Idea Village create momentum for further growth and seeking new capital but also earmarks profits from the success of these companies towards an endowment for Idea Village securing the future of innovation in New Orleans.”
— Gayle Benson, Investor, Principal Owner, New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans
 

IDEApitch supports the next generation of high-potential entrepreneurs and startups in the Greater New Orleans region.

 

All IDEApitch Companies