PITCH, Web Summit’s signature startup competition, brings together top early-stage companies from around the world to compete live onstage. The competition is open to ALPHA and BETA startups exhibiting at Web Summit Vancouver that have raised less than $5 million in funding and maintained a consistent business model over the past three years.
This year, three British Columbia-based startups—each led by female founders—have advanced to the 2025 PITCH final. The finalists were selected after two competitive rounds of pitching and will take the stage today as Web Summit wraps up its inaugural event in Vancouver.
GlüxKind
GlüxKind is reimagining the parenting experience with Ella, an AI-powered smart stroller. Founded in 2020 by new parents Kevin Huang and Anne Hunger, GlüxKind aims to make parenting safer and more convenient through cutting-edge technology. Ella features include automatic rocking, a built-in white noise machine, a dual-motor system for uphill assistance, and adaptive braking to prevent runaways.
Lite-1
Biotech startup Lite-1 is developing sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes using microbial innovation. By leveraging nature-based manufacturing, Lite-1 is tackling the environmental impact of the traditional dye industry and creating the high-performance colors of the future. Lite-1 was co-founded by Sarah Graham and Roya Aghighi.
VodaSafe
VodaSafe is transforming water rescue operations with AquaEye, a handheld sonar device designed to accelerate underwater search and rescue. Founded by engineer and former lifeguard Carlyn Loncaric (pictured), the company is focused on improving both the speed and safety of critical rescue missions.
As these three B.C. startups compete in the final PITCH showdown, their innovative solutions and leadership signal a bright future for Canadian entrepreneurship.
All three finalists are members of the BC Tech Association.
BC Tech is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia, and we’re dedicated to turning startups and scaleups into the anchor companies of tomorrow. Our work supports members to grow and diversify their talent pool, acquire new customers, access capital and accelerate their scaleup journey. Technology is a key industry for BC’s future and builds resiliency in every industry. Today, every company is a tech company. Join now.
Leave a Reply