We recently connected with Kent Richeson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kent, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
From chopping wood! I grew up in the cold, damp, rainy state of Oregon, where our only source of heat was a wood stove. To keep the house warm, my dad would have us kids chop trees that had fallen around the neighborhood. There I was—early mornings, late nights—chopping, moving, stacking firewood for hours on end. It was tough for a kid, but the payoff of a warm home made it worth it. There’s a certain grit you develop when you know your efforts make a direct impact, and it’s that same mindset I bring to everything I do.
It has shaped my frame of mind to be the one in control of the outcomes that I can control. It’s my success and failures that I have.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Kent Richeson—founder, investor, national pitch event host, and above all, a connector. My passion is helping investors and founders connect in new and meaningful ways. I’m the founder of ShitPitch, a pitch event with a twist where founders don’t just present their companies—they also take a crack at pitching hilariously bad ideas. Why? Because it lets investors see how founders communicate, adapt, and think on their feet. I’ve hosted pitch events across the U.S. (including one featured on CNBC), served on advisory boards, founded multiple companies, and even built a custom shooting range. ShitPitch has grown into a nationally recognized event and is now expanding globally.
What is ShitPitch?
ShitPitch is an investor-focused pitch event with a unique format. Founders make two pitches: one is their real business, and the other is a hilariously horrible business idea they’ve had just 15 minutes to prepare. Investors—angels, VCs, family offices—get a front-row seat to witness founders’ adaptability, composure, and communication skills under pressure. This format goes beyond the polished pitches and lets us see the human behind the business.
What made you decide to create ShitPitch?
It started with a simple idea—discovering the human behind the business. I initially sat down with a small group of investors to test the concept, and it clicked. Investors don’t just buy into a business; they’re investing in the people behind it. ShitPitch lets founders showcase who they are, how they think, and how they adapt, which are critical to a startup’s long-term success.
Is there a certain sector of entrepreneurs that do better at your events? If so, why?
Yes, the innovators really stand out. Founders who bring genuine excitement and originality captivate investors. This is especially true with trending sectors like AI, but I keep an eye out for substance over hype. Founders who can show that their tech truly adds value—not just slap on “AI” as a buzzword—definitely catch our attention.
Are your events focused on pre-seed and seed-stage founders only?
Primarily, yes. We focus on early-stage companies raising their first rounds. Occasionally, if a startup has impressive traction, like signed letters of intent or significant revenue, we’ll invite them to present.
What’s the funniest idea that’s ever been pitched?
Definitely “Pigeon Messaging.” Nate Mills pitched it as a security solution, complete with a pricing model and funding ask. He actually called me a few months later, wondering if he could turn it into a real business. It’s always fun to see the line between the absurd and feasible blur!
Have you ever had someone with a great idea who was extremely introverted? If so, how did they do?
Absolutely. I remind investors and the audience that introverts often bring immense creativity and depth. We had one founder who was clearly nervous, but when he started, his passion was palpable. You could feel the whole room rooting for him. Later, he told me it was his first time pitching, and he never knew he had it in him. Sometimes, breaking the ice with an “impossible” pitch can give people the courage to let their true strengths shine.
How many VCs, Angels, PEs, etc., attend these events?
It varies but generally 30 to 70 investors attend, spanning VCs, family offices, angel investors, accelerators, PEs—you name it.
Is there a particular business sector you focus on?
We’re interested in sectors like AI, SaaS, FinTech, renewable energy, life sciences, and retail. Service-based models can be trickier for investors because scaling a one-to-one service can be challenging, but we always consider solutions that demonstrate high scalability and impact.
Are you currently doing global events?
Yes! Our first international event will be held in India this December at Google’s office in New Delhi. We’re also planning events in Australia, the UK, Canada, and Mexico, with more locations to come.
What’s your motto?
“Discovering the human behind the founder’s pitch.”
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
- Fail Fast – Figure out what works and what doesn’t, quickly. Don’t get attached to ideas that don’t serve you or the business.
- Stick to Your Personal Needs – For me, success means not compromising on things that keep me grounded. No business win is worth it if you lose your health, sanity, or family.
- Compassion – We’re all human. Having compassion for others can open doors in ways you’d never expect. It’s a long game, and people remember those who show kindness along the way.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
I’d focus on expanding ShitPitch globally but at the right pace. I want to involve the right people without over-promising or rushing. I’m excited to get sponsors who believe in this mission, but I know patience and timing are key. There’s so much potential here, and I want to grow this thoughtfully and authentically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shitpitch.co
- Linkedin: Kent Richeson
Closing thoughts:
I’m Kent Richeson—host, founder, and connector. ShitPitch is reshaping how founders and investors connect, and the demand for these events is growing across the U.S. and internationally. We’re just getting started, with plans for events in New York, Texas, California, Utah, Illinois, Florida, Washington, and more. Stay tuned—ShitPitch is on the move!
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
