Dent Spark ⚡ AI Pitch Competition - Fall '25:
The future of AI isn’t waiting, and neither are we. Dent Capital is back with the second edition of Dent Spark, our flagship AI pitch competition designed to spotlight AI-native startups at the pre-seed and seed stage.
This time, we’re taking it nationwide and virtual, opening the doors to AI founders across the U.S. building the next generation of breakthrough companies.
🚀 What’s at stake? >$250,000 in investment, OpenAI credits, direct access to top AI VCs, and a platform to gain exposure, momentum, and long-term support from Dent Capital and our extended network of AI experts, operators, and advisors.
📅 Applications are now open. If you’re ready to make a dent, we want to hear from you. Apply by October 27, 2025.
World-Class Judging Panel
Pitch live to seasoned General Partners investing deeply into AI
(General Partner, Canaan)
Laura backs bold founders at the earliest stages building companies that influence the way we live, work, and expand. She’s invested in breakout startups like Arcade.ai, Coterie, Clutch, Curtsy across the future of work, consumer, and enterprise. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in Venture Capital, she brings deep experience spotting what’s next before it’s obvious.
(Longtime VC and Early-Stage investor)
Niko partners with technical founders building products for themselves. Over the past decade, he’s backed category-defining companies including Mercor, Pylon, Hive and Discord. He brings a sharp eye for ambitious, AI-first founders and a track record of helping them scale into enduring platforms.
(General Partner, Village Global)
Anne brings experience as a former founder, venture-backed CEO, and public company executive. She co-founded Military.com (acquired by Monster) and was CEO of Zinch (acquired by Chegg), where she later served as Chief Business Officer pre and post-IPO. Today, she backs early-stage founders at Village Global and serves on the board of Harvard Business Publishing.
Past and current judges
Timeline
Applications now open!
Deadline: 10/27/25
Open to U.S.-based AI-first startups at the seed and pre-seed stage. Finalists will be selected on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you the best chance to be considered
Elite AI mentorship
10/28/25 to 11/6/25
Top 10 finalists will be paired with AI experts and leading industry experts for personalized guidance, idea refinement, and product feedback
Pitch finals (Virtual)
11/7/25 - afternoon PT
8-10 teams will pitch live, and the top 3 winners will split $250,000 in SAFE investments from Dent Capital (we invested >$500k last edition). Judges may choose to invest more as well. Terms will be finalized post-award, we’re open to participating in existing rounds where applicable
Lasting Relationships
Build valuable connections with AI pioneers and venture capitalists, potentially leading to ongoing advisory relationships and future collaboration opportunities
Sponsored by:
