PITCHFEST 2026

Where Community Meets Capital

The Group Coastal Pitch Fest 2026 is more than a stage, it’s a launchpad for purpose-driven entrepreneurs ready to scale. Designed exclusively for members of The Group Coastal, this pitch deck series gives local startups and growth-stage companies the platform, exposure, and strategic support they need to raise capital and expand with confidence.

We’re looking for visionary teams based in the San Diego area with bold ideas, scalable business models, and a minimum capital raise goal of $50,000. This curated series culminates in a live Pitch Fest event, where selected founders will present their companies to a room of aligned investors, industry experts, and potential partners.

Each participating company will submit a detailed application, including their investor deck and financials, and will receive feedback, mentorship, and pitch refinement support leading up to the event. The process is designed not just to secure funding, but to strengthen your clarity, positioning, and long-term strategy.

Why We Created This

The Group Coastal believes that powerful things happen when community backs innovation. Our members aren't just building businesses — they’re solving real problems, creating jobs, and elevating the region. The Pitch Deck Series is here to accelerate that momentum by helping founders package their story, validate their traction, and meet the right investors at the right time.


This is for you if:

  • You have a passionate, capable team of at least two people

  • You're a member of The Group Coastal and based in San Diego

  • You’re seeking to raise $50,000 or more to grow your business

  • You want to pitch in front of real investors and advisors who care about your success

Whether you walk away with funding, a strategic partner, or the confidence to take your next leap — Pitch Fest 2026 is where it starts.

Fill out the form to get started.

Pitchfest 2025 Recap

Last year, PitchFest showed us what can happen when a community comes together to believe in an idea and the person behind it.

The energy was incredible. The ideas were inspiring. And watching local entrepreneurs take a chance on themselves reminded me exactly why we needed to bring it back.

So with the help of Joe Brenneman and John Rotchford , PitchFest 2026 is back!

This isn’t just about pitching an idea. It’s about giving people in our community an opportunity to turn an idea into something real. To create a business. To take that first step. And to be surrounded by people who genuinely want to see them succeed.

That’s what The Group has always been about: connection, community, and creating opportunities for one another.

A huge thank you to C3bank for believing in that mission and sponsoring PitchFest 2026. Supporting local entrepreneurs means supporting the future of our entire community.

You might walk into PitchFest with an idea. You could walk out believing you can actually build it.

Let’s create something. Let’s support each other. Let’s see what comes next.

Video created by Leon | San Diego Photographer