BOSTON, Mass., Oct. 13, 2026. The New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA), the representative body of New England's VC community, today announced the 14th Annual NEVY Awards will be co-hosted by Pitch Lift, a live startup game that takes the "elevator pitch" to the next level.
This is the first time in the NEVY's 14-year history that a co-host has been named for New England's premier event celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship.
"With Pitch Lift as our first co-host, we're bringing together two organizations that share a belief in the power of recognizing the people who are pushing New England innovation forward," said Hope Hopkins, executive director, New England Venture Capital Association. "The NEVYs have always been about celebrating the founders, investors, and builders who turn bold ideas into what comes next. Partnering with Pitch Lift allows us to expand that celebration and shine an even bigger spotlight on the people shaping the future of our region."
Pitch Lift is a popular Boston-based founder competition where entrepreneurs get 30 seconds in an actual elevator to pitch investors, with winners progressing toward a finale and a chance at a $100,000 prize.
"We are totally stoked to be co-hosting this event with NEVCA," said Robert Hughes, co-founder, Pitch Lift. "With our support, we hope to play a critical and creative role in the growth and success of New England's venture ecosystem by elevating pitches from the stage to the penthouse."
The NEVYs, scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the House of Blues Boston, will bring together more than 500 founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders.
This year's theme, "Back to the Future," will honor the innovators who brought us here, toast the breakthroughs defining what will come next, and throw the kind of party the NEVYs are famous for.
"New England has always been a place that builds what comes next," added Hopkins. "From Route 128 to biotech, from the early internet to the incredible work happening today in AI, robotics, climate tech, and life sciences, we've never been afraid to push into new territory. This year's NEVYs theme is a nod to that history and a reminder that we're not starting from scratch, but building on everything that came before us. The future is being built here, again, and the NEVYs are a chance for our entire community to come together, celebrate the people making it happen, and look ahead to what's next."
The 2026 NEVY Awards will recognize achievement and impact across eight categories: Emerging Company of the Year, Powerhouse Company of the Year, Exit of the Year, Rising Star VC, Capital Catalyst of the Year, Community Champion of the Year, Firm of the Year, and the Spirit of the NEVYs.
Due to the overwhelming number of nominations, the deadline to nominate for the NEVYs has been extended to Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST. Nominations can be submitted on the NEVY Awards website at thenevys.com.
In addition to Pitch Lift, current sponsors include CIBC, Citrin Cooperman, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, Stifel Bank, Massachusetts Innovation Network, Inc., Mass Life Sciences Center, and Kendall Square Association. The NEVYs Unofficial After Party will be hosted by Capital Z.
Tickets for the NEVYs are currently on sale and expected to sell out. To purchase tickets and learn more about taking a brand from zero to 88 miles per hour with a NEVY Awards sponsorship, visit the event website at thenevys.com.
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About the New England Venture Capital Association
The New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) is the representative body of New England's VC community. Our mandate is simple and urgent: strengthen, connect, and advocate for the region's venture ecosystem so New England remains a leading place to build and scale high-impact companies. As competition for capital, talent, and attention intensifies nationally and globally, NEVCA plays a critical role in ensuring New England's venture industry operates with shared infrastructure, a clear market narrative, and a unified voice.
About Pitch Lift
Pitch Lift is creating a new kind of media: venturetainment. Think Shark Tank for scroll culture. Pitch Lift gives founders one 30-second elevator ride to pitch their company to the world. Through live events, real elevator pitches, and digital content, Pitch Lift is changing the way entrepreneurs tell their stories and get discovered. We're telling founder stories, one pitch at a time.
See you December 3.
Three sold-out years running. Grab your spot in the room, or nominate someone who's moving New England forward before Sunday, October 18.