Event Curator Pitch Competition
Pitch your live event for up to $100,000 in growth capital from Urbane Venture Fund. Join a pitch competition designed exclusively for event curators at the 2026 Maconomics Wealth Summit in Chicago.
Applications close Monday, August 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Revenue-based financing is determined from historical performance, the proposed use of funds, repayment visibility, and UVF’s review process. Multiple operators may receive offers, but all financing remains subject to final diligence, Investment Committee approval, definitive agreements, and closing conditions.
Built for the business of live events.
Urbane Venture Fund (UVF) provides financing to entertainment industry operators to accelerate and scale live events, evolve business operations, and increase profitability. In partnership with the Maconomics Wealth Summit, UVF is inviting event curators from across the country to pitch their upcoming event.
Selected applicants will advance through UVF's review process. Up to five finalists will be invited to pitch live at the Maconomics Wealth Summit in Chicago.
Capital
Pitch for consideration for financing without giving up equity ownership in your event or company.
Access
Speak directly with investors and event operators with experience across finance, ticketing, sponsorship, hospitality, and marketing.
Stage
Earn the opportunity to pitch live at the 2026 Maconomics Wealth Summit at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Timeline
- Friday, July 24, 2026Applications open
- Monday, August 17, 2026Applications close
- Week of August 24, 2026Virtual pitches and finalist selection
- Wednesday, August 26, 2026Live finalists announced
- Saturday, August 29, 2026Live pitches and potential financing offers at the Maconomics Wealth Summit
Dates and timing may be updated by UVF. Applicants selected for the next round will receive direct instructions.
Apply
Submit your event deck, budget, and historical sales by Monday, August 17.
Management Review
UVF reviews applicant fit, event history, documentation, budget, proposed use of funds, and risks.
Virtual Pitch and Q&A
Selected applicants are invited to a private virtual pitch & Q&A with the UVF Investment Committee. Up to five live finalists are selected to pitch in Chicago.
Pitch Live in Chicago
Finalists pitch live at the Maconomics Wealth Summit on Saturday, August 29 in Chicago. UVF may extend financing offers to multiple finalists.
The live pitch is part of UVF’s investment process, not a substitute for it. Any offer made during or following the competition is conditional and remains subject to final diligence, Investment Committee approval, definitive legal documentation, required controls, and closing conditions.
Pitch live at the Maconomics Wealth Summit
The Maconomics Wealth Summit brings financial education, entrepreneurship, and culture together in Chicago. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to present their event at the Obama Presidential Center, one of the city's most anticipated new venues.
Hear from curators we've worked with this year.
Frequently asked questions
You've built a movement.
Now let's build it into a business.
Applications are open for proven event curators seeking financing to grow.
Submit your application by Monday, August 17
Selected finalists may be invited to pitch live at the Maconomics Wealth Summit. UVF may extend offers to multiple qualifying events.
This page provides a general overview of the UVF × Maconomics Wealth Summit Pitch Competition. Submission of an application, selection as a semifinalist or finalist, participation in the competition, or recognition as a winner does not constitute an offer, approval, or commitment of capital. Any financing is subject to UVF review and due diligence, Investment Committee approval, mutually agreed terms, definitive legal documentation, required repayment controls, and satisfaction of all closing conditions. Financing is not a grant or cash prize and must be repaid according to the applicable agreement. UVF may modify, suspend, or cancel the competition or its timeline at its discretion. Any verbal, written, on-stage, or competition-related indication of interest or proposed offer is nonbinding unless and until final agreements are executed and all closing conditions are satisfied.