Ignite

Outside Ignite is the outdoor industry’s premier startup pitch event, showcasing bold new ideas and the entrepreneurs behind them. By bringing together founders, investors, and business leaders, Ignite sparks the partnerships and solutions that strengthen outdoor culture and help get everyone outside.


2025 First Prize Winner, Kyle Siegel, CEO and Founder, Raide

2025 Judges, Mel Strong, Managing Partner, NEXT Ventures and Ariana Ferwerda, CEO & Co-Founder, Halfdays

2025 Speaker Dr. Kimberly McGlonn and MC Dhani Jones

2025 People’s Choice Runner Up Sam Degenhard, Founder & CEO, Campfire Ranch, with Keenan Corrigan, REI Path Ahead Ventures

2025 First Prize Winner, Kyle Siegel, CEO, Raide Research and Outside Interactive Inc. CEO, Robin Thurston

2025 Finalists from Campfire Ranch, Salubata, Headquarters, Dockshare, and Raide

“

it’s events like this that have the potential to truly change the trajectory of a budding company.”

John Spinale
Managing Director, JAZZ Ventures, 2025 IGNITE Judge

turning innovation into impact

In 2026, Ignite will feature eight groundbreaking startups shaping the future of how we play, explore, and connect outdoors. Ignite is much more than a pitch competition—it’s a growing community built on a foundation of big ideas.
Call for Submissions  - coming in early 2026
Want the chance to pitch your big idea on the Ignite stage? We’re looking for bold founders who drive real impact. Sign up for updates to be the first to know when submissions open.
Eight Finalists
A team of seasoned investors and successful entrepreneurs will review submissions and select eight finalists to present to judges and a  live audience at the event in Denver.
One First Place Winner
Following presentations, judges  will select one First Place Prize Winner who will receive a $100,000 value prize in combined cash and advertising across the Outside Network. In addition, one Runner Up will be selected to receive $50,000 in advertising value.
One People’s Choice Winner
Outside Ignite audience members will vote for a People’s Choice Award winner at the end of the pitch competition. This winner will receive a combined cash and advertising prize.
A Rising Network of Outdoor Innovators
Judges, finalists and attendees will make lasting connections grounded in their shared passions for the outdoors and forward-thinking business leadership.
THINK YOUR IDEA IS WORTH $100K?

What We're Looking For:
✓ Startups building solutions that help more people get outside

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✓ Innovations that move the outdoor, wellness, and active-lifestyle industries forward
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✓ Companies working in areas such as but not limited to:

  • AI Enabled & Native wearables, AI, and other technologies
  • Human-Centric & IRL (Real-World Innovators)
  • Outdoor-ready / active-lifestyle CPG, food, and beverage
  • Hard goods and soft goods
  • Media, travel, and hospitality services

Eligibility:

  • For-profit companies at Seed to Series A (funding not required)
  • International submissions welcome
  • Presenting team must pitch in-person in Denver, CO
    ‍

Full rules and regulations will be published with the call for submissions in early 2026

“

being able to meet so many founders building in this space gives our firm a huge competitive advantage.

Mel Strong
Managing Partner, Next Ventures, 2025 IGNITE Judge

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