Hatch PITCH Finalists — Collective Track Record
$400M+
Raised by Hatch finalists to date
11
Successful exits from the program
1:1
Dedicated coach for every finalist
Day 1
Live competition at TiEcon Texas
About the Competition
Built for Founders with Real Momentum
TiE Hatch Pitch is the startup pitch competition at TiEcon Texas 2026, run in partnership with Hatch — a program that has helped founders from prototype to scale for over a decade.
This is not a demo-day showcase. The sweet spot is an early-stage company with a working product, early proof of demand, and a clear automation angle — the kind of company that's ready to close a big customer, land a lead investor, or move into production. The right stage and the right room can compress what would otherwise take years.
Competition takes place on Day 1 of TiEcon Texas 2026.
What Makes This Different
Every finalist is paired with an experienced Hatch coach to sharpen their story before they take the stage.
Direct exposure to TiE's global network: Charter Members, investors, and enterprise decision-makers — not just fellow founders.
The winner gets a live showcase pitch on Day 2 — the full conference audience, dedicated investor meetings, and an exhibit table.
Relationships that last beyond competition day — Hatch's alumni network of founders, investors, and operators.
About the Competition
Built for Founders with Real Momentum
TiE Hatch Pitch is the startup pitch competition at TiEcon Texas 2026, run in partnership with Hatch — a program that has helped founders from prototype to scale for over a decade.
This is not a demo-day showcase. The sweet spot is an early-stage company with a working product, early proof of demand, and a clear automation angle — the kind of company that's ready to close a big customer, land a lead investor, or move into production. The right stage and the right room can compress what would otherwise take years.
Competition takes place on Day 1 of TiEcon Texas 2026. Finalists who advance pitch again on Day 2 in front of the full conference.
What Makes This Different
Every finalist is paired with an experienced
Hatch coach to sharpen their story before
they take the stage.
Direct exposure to TiE's global network:
Charter Members, investors, and enterprise decision-makers — not just fellow founders.
The winner gets a live showcase pitch on
Day 2 — the full conference audience, dedicated investor meetings, and an exhibit table.
Relationships that last beyond competition
day — Hatch's alumni network of founders, investors, and operators.
Eligibility
Who Should Apply
Stage & Traction
A working prototype or functioning MVP — not a slide deck. Plus early proof it holds up in the real world: a pilot, a design partner, a letter of intent, or early revenue.
Funding Stage
Early-stage companies that have gotten themselves to pilot or MVP under their own steam and are reaching for the next step: the first significant customer, a lead investor, or a production deployment.
Automation Focus
Everything ties back to automation — in one
of three ways:
→ Automating something that's manual today —
workflows, physical tasks, decisions, operations
→ Improving how automation itself works — faster, cheaper, smarter, safer
→ Picks and shovels of the automation industry —
chips, sensors, data infrastructure, robotics components
Eligibility
Who Should Apply
Stage & Traction
A working prototype or functioning MVP — not a slide deck. Plus early proof it holds up in the real world: a pilot, a design partner, a letter of intent, or early revenue.
Funding Stage
Early-stage companies that have gotten themselves to pilot or MVP under their own steam and are reaching for the next step: the first significant customer, a lead investor, or a production deployment.
Automation Focus
Everything ties back to automation — in one
of three ways:
→ Automating something that's manual today —
workflows, physical tasks, decisions, operations
→ Improving how automation itself works — faster, cheaper, smarter, safer
→ Picks and shovels of the automation industry —
chips, sensors, data infrastructure, robotics components
Not a Fit
Idea stage, no prototype
No traction yet
Already scaled or late-stage
No automation angle
What You Gain
For Every Finalist — And for the Winner
All Finalists
Coaching, Network & Recognition
→ Personalized pitch coaching from experienced founders and investors before the competition
→ Direct exposure to TiE's global network — entrepreneurs, Charter Members, investors, and corporate leaders
→ Media visibility and recognition at TiEcon Texas
→ Meaningful feedback and relationships that extend well beyond competition day
Winner — In Addition
The Full Stage & One-on-One Access
→ Showcase pitch on Day 2 in front of the full conference audience and key decision-makers
→ Exhibit table at the conference — two full days of access on the floor
What You Gain
For Every Finalist — And for the Winner
All Finalists
Coaching, Network & Recognition
→ Personalized pitch coaching from experienced founders and investors before the competition
→ Direct exposure to TiE's global network — entrepreneurs, Charter Members, investors, and corporate leaders
→ Media visibility and recognition at TiEcon Texas
→ Meaningful feedback and relationships that extend well beyond competition day
Winner — In Addition
The Full Stage & One-on-One Access
→ Showcase pitch on Day 2 in front of the full conference audience and key decision-makers
→ Dedicated 1-on-1 meetings with investors and enterprise leaders
→ Exhibit table at the conference — two full days of access on the floor
Applications Open Now
Is Your Startup
Ready for the Room?
If you're building in automation and
have the proof to show for it, this is
your stage.Apply now — finalist selection
is competitive and slots are limited.
Follow: @hatchpitch
Applications Open UNTIL SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
Is Your Startup
Ready for the Room?
If you're building in automation and have the proof to show for it, this is your stage.
Apply now — finalist selection is competitive and slots are limited.
Follow: @hatchpitch