Asheville’s entrepreneurial spirit was on full display at Pitch Party Asheville, where a packed house brought a wave of fresh ideas. The room at Hatchworks Coworking buzzed with founders, mentors, students, and community supporters, proving once again why Western North Carolina is such fertile ground for innovation.

Eight Unique Pitches, Countless Sparks of Inspiration

The evening featured eight diverse pitches, ranging from lifestyle platforms to community-driven ideas and innovative products. Some founders pitched for the very first time, while others returned to sharpen their message or share exciting updates.

Kudos to all who took the stage:

• Will Germann — Happy Half Hour
• Yoko Morris — Careheld
• Kyle Guie — Dockly
• Alexandra Marchosky — Lunarlogues
• Kate Krause — House Trade
• Arielle Prevot — Wildrnest
• Lilly Field — Celium
• Herschel Janow — Go Get It

A Standout Moment: Go Get It

One of the most unforgettable moments came when 16-year-old Asheville High student Herschel Janow was inspired to pitch after watching the lineup. Already co-running a sportswear venture with a Shopify store currently being rebranded, Herschel introduced a fresh idea for a networking platform. On the spot, he named it Go Get It.

His charisma and confidence impressed the entire room, earning him the award for Best Presenter.

Recognizing Innovation and Impact

At the close of the evening, the crowd celebrated two standout ventures:

• Lilly Field of Celium — Most Innovative and Most Potential for Growth & Impact
• Herschel Janow of Go Get It — Best Presenter

These recognitions highlight not only the promise of the ideas but also the courage and creativity it takes to bring them forward.

Powered by Community

Events like Pitch Party thrive thanks to the support of our incredible partners and sponsors. A heartfelt thank-you to Venture Asheville, Hatch Innovation Hub & Hatchworks Coworking, AVL Digital Nomads, Hi-Wire Brewing, PIE.ZAA Pizza, and Sarilla for fueling the momentum of Asheville’s startup scene.

Looking Ahead

Pitch Parties continue to be a cornerstone of entrepreneurial life in WNC, creating space for bold ideas, community connection, and supportive environments where founders can grow. Whether it’s your first time pitching or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to gain from the experience.

Stay tuned for more highlights, including a closer look at Herschel Janow’s journey and the many inspiring founders shaping the future of business in Western North Carolina.