Next Arena · July 15, 2026 · Santa Monica

STARTUP ARENA

Real stakes. Productive chaos. Instant feedback.

Find out what your pitch is really made of.

Santa Monica July 15 5PM

01  /  The Arena

Take the stage.

Pitch live in front of investors, get scored in real time, and walk away with more than feedback.

  1. 01

    Real-Time Proof

    A live pitch moment that reveals what actually lands, and what doesn't. Less guesswork, more signal.

  2. 02

    Investor Feedback

    Direct, actionable feedback from investors and operators who know what they're looking for.

  3. 03

    Prizes

    Standout pitches win prizes. Walk away with feedback and momentum.

  4. 04

    Real Connections

    High-quality founder and investor networking in the kind of room where follow-up emails actually get answered.

02  /  The Format

Three acts. One night.

Every Startup Arena follows the same high-energy structure.

01 Act One

On-Stage Pitches

  • Founder presentations to a live audience
  • Instant investor and audience feedback
  • Prizes awarded to standout pitches
02 Act Two

Knowledge Sharing

  • Keynote or fireside chat
  • State of the investing landscape
  • What makes an effective pitch right now
03 Act Three

Founder + Investor Networking

  • 1-on-1 conversations with active investors
  • Meet the founders who just pitched
  • Refreshments and an open room to connect

03  /  Proof

Founders who took the stage.

“Great experience! We pitched and got intros to several VCs. Thank you again.”

— Patrick

“Different and more impactful than a traditional pitch competition!”

— Vernon

“Good pitch presentations and even better comments from the panel.”

— Morgan
Read the April 22 recap

Next Arena · 004

July 15, 2026

Santa Monica · 5PM

Everyone starts on Luma. Registered founders get an invite to apply for a pitch slot.