NEW YORK, NY -- One startup was named the competition winner at Pitch HearstLab New York, HearstLab’s pitch event for early stage, women-led startups. Out of hundreds of applications from across the country, six companies were selected as finalists to present in-person at the Hearst Tower on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

The finalists represented industry verticals ranging from AI-powered business tools to caregiver support to real estate. Each founder pitched to a live audience and a panel of expert judges, including Eve Burton, Hearst EVP & HearstLab Chairwoman, Alice Vilma, Morgan Stanley Managing Director and Co-Head of the Next Level Fund, and Tom Cross, Hearst’s SVP and Group Head of Transportation. The event was MC’ed by HearstLab Scout and ESPN Director, Kati Fernandez.

The event included an inspiring fireside chat between special guests Michael Clinton (of Hearst Magazines & ROAR Forward) and Kelly McLay, the founder and CEO of FIT and 1 of 49 women in the world to have successfully finished the World Marathon Challenge, 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days.

The event’s winner was as follows: UNLISTED, founded by Katie Hill, is a cloud-based software that leverages AI and machine learning technology uniquely designed to reveal and align previously untapped real estate opportunities for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and the industry as a whole.

In addition to a $100,000 investment from HearstLab, each winning company will also receive hands-on support from HearstLab. One winner, Keep Company, also received a bonus prize package of $10,000 of in-kind services from the Martin Group, Hearst’s premier marketing agency partner.

"It’s an honor to have been selected by such an incredible panel of judges. HearstLab’s investment process is also incredibly supportive. Winning today is the culmination of a spectacular experience. The cherry on top," said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of UNLISTED.

Pitch HearstLab is the pitch competition with the largest check size for women-led startups in the world. The event series is aimed at finding and funding the best high-growth B2B(2C) women-led startups in the US and select international markets. New York is the seventh event in the series, and the first time the event has been brought home to Hearstlab at Hearst HQ.

With prior competitions in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Amsterdam, and Madrid, and multiple winners at each event, HearstLab has invested over $3 million in 14 early-stage women-led startups through the pitch series alone. To date, HearstLab has invested over $100 million in 70+ women-led startups, currently valued at over $2.5 billion collectively. Its mission is to help closing the funding gap in venture capital funding for women. Current data shows that women-led businesses still receive just 2% of all venture funding, despite the growing number of female entrepreneurs.

"To say that starting a business is challenging is an understatement. Achieving the level of success our finalists have reached requires immense determination, grit and resilience," said Kati Fernandez, Senior Director of Development at ESPN and HearstLab Scout. "If you’re feeling inspired by these founders, find a way to support one. The most effective way to accelerate their growth is through the support of HearstLab, Hearst, and beyond."

"It seems like just yesterday that we made our first investment in a female founder through HearstLab," remarked Eve Burton. "It’s fitting to stand here today in the Hearst headquarters, where it all began, preparing to select our newest portfolio company with an investment of one hundred thousand dollars."

"This is the seventh pitch event we’ve hosted but our first at ‘home’ at the Hearst Tower in NYC. In addition to showcasing the incredible finalists, it was a highlight to have so many of the Hearst employees and Scouts in the audience, who have supported the Lab and our portfolio companies since day one. We can’t wait to hit the ground running with Katie and UNLISTED and to plug her in to our broader network. UNLISTED has incredible potential to scale and Katie is a standout founder that will take it there," added Lisa Burton, HearstLab Vice President.

Pitch HearstLab New York was produced with partnership from women-led beverages brands De Soi Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Apéritif, Summer Water Rosé, and Body Vodka.

Pitch HearstLab will be hosting their virtual competition for current & recent university graduates this Summer and heading next to Atlanta next in Fall 2024, with additional US-based and international competitions on the horizon. Beyond pitch events, female founders can apply for HearstLab investment anytime (up to $1 million) throughout the year. 

For more information, visit the HearstLab website and follow HearstLab on LinkedIn and Twitter.

UNLISTED, operates the world's leading real estate technology platforms where off-market is no longer off-limits. UNLISTED’s cloud-based software that leverages AI and machine learning technology uniquely designed to reveal and align previously untapped real estate opportunities for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and the industry as a whole. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.

HearstLab provides cash investments and services to early-stage, women-led start-ups innovating across fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology, and media. Its mission is to close the gap in VC funding for women by helping founders build sustainable and highly scalable businesses. With access to Hearst resources across more than 360 businesses, HearstLab’s breadth of services includes assistance with privacy and security, software development, legal services, financial analysis, and marketing and design support. To learn more about HearstLab, visit HearstLab.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

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Nico Gendron