$1,000,000 pitch competition for Pre-Seed to Series A startups.

October 13 – 16, 2025. Lansdowne Resort. Loudoun County, Virginia.

Submit an application

DI is a four-day offsite that connects the 100 best early-stage startups with several hundred pre-vetted active investors.

All the fundraising success.

No fixed terms, no three month program.

All the fundraising success. No fixed terms, no three month program.

The road that brought us here

The first two DI events produced two unicorns. One in five companies in attendance had successful exits.

One of the event organizers and founder of Fortify Ventures, Jonathon Pirelli, posing for a photo with attendees.
Overhead shot of the crowd in a circle. A discussion is happening at a previous Distilled Intelligence
Overhead shot of the crowd and stage where panelists are having a discussion at Distilled Intelligence
A shot of the crowd in an auditorium listening to a panel discussion Many attendees and few empty seats.
Three past participants in Distilled Intelligence posing for a photo.
Jonathon Pirelli holding up a red t-shirt at a podium at Distilled Intelligence 2.0
A shot of the crowd with crowd-member asking a question to someone on stage.

74% Raised rounds

Following participation in Distilled Intelligence.

22% Exit rate

Among startups participating in both previous DI events.

$146M Raised

By presenting companies in the 12 months following the event.

for
Distilled intelligence
3.0

We’re thinking bigger for DI 3.0

Keep your eyes on the prize

Compete for a $1M cash prize in front of hundreds of qualified investors who will deploy hundreds of millions more.

Keep your eyes on the prize

Meaningful work

Purpose
longevity

Energizing rest

Four day immersion in ambitious, energizing, deep work. Indulge competition on the stage and on the court. Cultivate connection at the dinner table or the clubhouse. All while recharging your company’s greatest asset: you.

Distilled Intelligence rewards tenacity, charisma and performance. We bring the right people together at the right time. Magic ensues and money flows.

You don't have to do it alone

You will encounter difficult decisions along your journey.

Applying to DI is not one.

Apply today

Meticulously curated itinerary

To enable connection between the highest caliber founders and the investors who should meet them.

Welcome

Day 1

Welcome

Distilled Intelligence kicks off with a golf tournament. Investors will enjoy uninterrupted networking time.

After the tournament, founders will be welcomed to Lansdowne Resort with a tour of the grounds, and mic-test on stage in the ballroom.

The day will come to a close with a cocktail hour for founders, investors and attendees, followed by a curated dinner for all.

Traction Day

Day 2

Traction Day

The day starts with a breakfast hosted by our partners. Event sponsors will present unique perks and promotions available for all in attendance.

On the first day of pitches, the 50 earlier-stage companies will present in the ballroom in front of an audience of investors and attendees. The companies will be distilled down to 10 finalists, broken up by panel discussions, networking, and lunch.

The second day will conclude with investor and sponsor-hosted dinners. Founders and investors have time to connect independently following dinner.

Breakout Day

A scientist looking at a glowing rod through spectacles. Intended to coincide with a breakthrough for breakout day

Day 3

Breakout Day

We start the third day with breakfast and an optional wellness workshop for our Traction Day founders.

The second day of pitches mirrors Traction Day but with later-stage companies. The 50 later-stage companies will be distilled down to 10 finalists, with breaks for fireside chats, events, and lunch.

The third day will conclude with investor and sponsor-hosted dinners, followed by sponsor-hosted special events after dinner.

Farewell

Man playing tennis. The image is blurred and emulates a dynamic and high pace feeling.

Day 4

Farewell

The fourth day of DI will start with a series of wellness activities for founders and investors, ranging from pickleball to tennis and yoga to mindful meditation.

The day will conclude with a farewell brunch to announce the winners of Distilled Intelligence and award prizes.

Relentlessly founder first

What's in store

Enabling participation

Hotel room and meals at the event will be covered for founders. Transportation to Virginia should be your only expense.

Streamlined fundraising

Skip the back and forth. No Zooms, endless email chains, and uninterested investors. Talk directly to the people signing the check.

Investor matching

Curated introductions to the most relevant funders in your industry at Distilled Intelligence. Maximize outcomes from direct conversations.

Founder's corner

Startup-specific partnerships and perks to accelerate success for all applicants. Coming soon.

Submit an application

Application & process info

The

$1,000,000 Question

Will you join us?

Will you join us?

Lansdowne
resort
oct. 13 – 16, 2025
100 startups
500+ Investors
loudoun
county, va