Create The Winning Founders Pitch: Masterclass & AI Simulator

Jump Start Your Elevator Pitch to the Winner!

Hosted by SCORE Northern Nevada, this intensive 2-hour masterclass combines SCORE’s business planning framework with competitive debate mechanics to help early-stage founders build rock-solid, investor-ready pitches for the founders first pitch contest.

Whether you are a tech founder preparing for competition or a SCORE volunteer mentor looking to refine your coaching toolkit, this workshop delivers the exact tools needed to construct defensible business arguments, capture investor focus, and handle aggressive Q&A.

• The 7-Step Debate Framework: Structure your pitch using the AREI (Assertion, Reasoning, Evidence, Impact) framework to present an airtight business case.
• High-Impact Rhetoric & Style: Master pattern interrupts, staccato feature listing, vocal brightness, and mnemonic closing hooks that keep judges engaged.
• Cutting-Edge AI Pitch Evaluation: Participate in or observe live 90-second pitches recorded directly to MP4 and evaluated by Google Gemini acting as a virtual VC Equity Panel.
• Strategic Q&A Refutation: Apply the "Acknowledge & Pivot" method to reframe tough investor questions on defensibility, margins, and competition.
• Mentor Coaching Guidelines: Gain access to standardized scoring rubrics for ongoing 1-on-1 mentorship.

Part I: Constructing the Motion & The AREI Framework

Learn how to frame the market problem in sentence 1 and construct your product core using Assertion, Reasoning, Evidence, and Impact.

Part II: Pitch Rhetoric, Performance & Style

Master cadence, tricolon listing, emotional mirroring, and memorable sign-off phrases that stick with evaluators.

Part III: Live 'Cross-Exam Hot Seat' & Gemini AI Panel

Volunteers deliver live 90-second pitches recorded to MP4. Videos are uploaded to Google Gemini acting as a simulated Equity Panel to generate real-time Q&A and risk analysis.

Part IV: Strategic Q&A Refutation & Mentor Coaching

Master the 'Acknowledge & Pivot' framework to handle aggressive cross-examination without getting defensive.

Walk away with a concrete 30-60-90 day execution plan to prepare for the July 2027 pitch competition deadline.

• Technology Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders: Early-stage founders preparing for pitch competitions, seed funding, or angel investments.
• SCORE Volunteer Mentors: Advisory network members seeking a structured framework to coach clients on deck building and Q&A defense.
• Small Business Owners & Innovators: Anyone wanting to master the art of concise, high-persuasion business presentations.

Event venue & nearby stays

Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive, Reno, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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