When was the last time you watched a startup pitch that truly blew you away? Be honest. Too often, startup pitches follow a predictable formula—slick slides, canned scripts, and jargon-filled presentations that feel more like a chore than a chance to connect with a bold, innovative vision.
Kent Richeson, founder of ShitPitch, is here to change all that. By flipping the script on how founders pitch their ideas, he’s created a new kind of event that’s as entertaining as it is impactful, allowing investors to see the human side of entrepreneurship.
In this episode of the Startup Anthology Podcast, Kent sat down with me to share how ShitPitch was born, why it’s resonating with founders and investors, and the lessons he’s learned on his journey from an idea to a global movement. Let’s dive in.
What Is ShitPitch?
Imagine this: You’re a founder, standing in front of a room full of investors. Instead of presenting your actual startup idea, you’re given a completely ridiculous business concept—say, “pigeon messaging” or “silent karaoke”—and 15 minutes to turn it into a full pitch deck. What do you do? You adapt, you strategize, you hustle, and you pitch it like your life depends on it.
Welcome to ShitPitch, where founders are challenged to showcase their creativity, adaptability, and personality under pressure. What began as a small experiment in Utah has grown into a movement that’s transforming how founders connect with investors.
Kent explains:
“Investors want to see more of the founder. It’s not just about the business idea—it’s about the person behind it, their creativity, their ability to adapt, and their vision.”
By focusing on the people behind the pitches, ShitPitch brings out the qualities that truly matter to investors. It’s not just about the slides; it’s about the founder’s ability to think on their feet, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively.
How ShitPitch Was Born
Like most great ideas, ShitPitch was born out of frustration. Kent, a serial entrepreneur with experience in everything from private equity to talk shows, was tired of the same old pitch events:
“I got tired of going to stuffy rooms where founders regurgitate pitch decks. Investors weren’t getting to know the real person behind the business.”
He wanted to create a space where founders could let their personalities shine, and investors could see the jockey (the founder) as well as the horse (the business idea). So he invited a few founders and investors to experiment with a playful pitch format—and ShitPitch was born.
The Evolution of the Pitch Format
When ShitPitch first started, founders were given a week to prepare their pitches. While this allowed for polished presentations, it missed the raw, unscripted energy Kent was looking for. So he made a bold move: founders would now receive their “bad business idea” on the spot and have just 15 minutes to prepare.
This change transformed the event. Now, investors could see founders in their element—problem-solving, adapting, and thinking creatively in real-time. And the results? Nothing short of spectacular.
Some founders use humor to captivate the audience (like the pitch for “pigeon messaging” that had everyone in stitches), while others bring unexpected depth to their presentations (like the founder who turned “silent karaoke” into a heartfelt pitch about accessibility for the deaf community).
“The coolest thing is seeing founders lean into their strengths. If they’re funny, they use humor. If they’re analytical, they bring logic. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being you,” Kent says.
From Utah to New Delhi: ShitPitch Goes Global
In less than a year, ShitPitch has gone from a single event in Utah to a multi-city tour across the U.S., with stops in New York, Austin, and Seattle. Now, Kent is preparing to take ShitPitch global, starting with New Delhi, India.
The expansion to India came about through a chance connection with an attendee from New Delhi. After a series of conversations, it became clear that the cultural challenges founders face in India—such as the emphasis on formality and ego—made ShitPitch a perfect fit.
“This isn’t just about pitching. It’s about breaking down barriers, embracing vulnerability, and helping founders connect on a deeper level,” Kent explains.
With 20 events planned for 2025, including multiple stops in India, ShitPitch is poised to become a global phenomenon.
Lessons from Kent Richeson’s Journey
Kent’s journey with ShitPitch is full of valuable lessons for founders, investors, and anyone navigating the startup world. Here are a few takeaways:
1️⃣ Be Willing to Experiment
When Kent launched ShitPitch, he had no idea if it would work. But by treating each event as an experiment, he was able to adapt, iterate, and improve. His advice to founders?
“It’s okay to experiment and fail. What matters is that you keep learning and improving.”
2️⃣ Embrace Vulnerability
Whether it’s stepping onto a stage for the first time or pitching a “bad idea” in front of investors, vulnerability is a superpower. ShitPitch creates a space where founders can be themselves, and that authenticity often leads to the strongest connections.
3️⃣ Curiosity Opens Doors
Kent credits much of ShitPitch’s success to his willingness to have open, curious conversations.
“You never know where a random conversation might lead,” he says. (Case in point: the expansion to India.)
4️⃣ It’s Okay to Be Human
Startup culture often glorifies perfection, but Kent believes embracing imperfection is key to building something great.
“We’re all figuring this out as we go. The sooner you accept that, the more fun you’ll have—and the more successful you’ll be.”
The Future of ShitPitch
What’s next for ShitPitch? Kent has big plans, including:
20 events in 2025 across the U.S. and internationally
ShitPitch’s 2025 Live Event Schedule A potential TV show to bring the ShitPitch experience to a wider audience.
Building a central investment fund to back the founders showcased at ShitPitch events.
As Kent puts it, “This isn’t just a pitch competition—it’s a movement. We’re creating a space for founders and investors to connect, grow, and have fun in the process.”
How to Get Involved
Curious about attending or sponsoring a ShitPitch event? Here’s how you can connect:
🌐 Website: ShitPitch.com
💼 LinkedIn: Kent Richeson
📸 Instagram: @shitpitch
Whether you’re a founder, an investor, or just someone with a bad idea waiting to be pitched, ShitPitch is the perfect place to connect, learn, and grow.
Final Thoughts
ShitPitch is more than just an event—it’s a revolution in how we think about entrepreneurship. By embracing creativity, vulnerability, and fun, Kent Richeson is helping founders and investors build stronger relationships and better businesses.
So, what’s your bad idea? Who knows—it might just be the start of something great. 😉
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