Startups pitch investors on ski lifts in Taos
Ten startups pitched investors for prize money and funding during a unique "Ski Lift Pitch" event at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico. The event format required entrepreneurs to deliver their business pitches during the ride up a ski lift.
- The event is organized by CNM Ingenuity, an economic development arm of Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), and ActivateNM. - For the first time, the 2026 event featured separate competitions for New Mexico-based startups and those from out-of-state, with each category winner receiving a $10,000 prize. - The New Mexico competition winner was Guide Theory, a Taos-based company that helps seasonal workers achieve financial stability. The out-of-state category was won by SouthLight Services from Denver, which focuses on digitally replacing outdated phone lines for critical infrastructure like fire panels and elevators. - Entrepreneurs had approximately eight minutes during the chairlift ride to present their company, explain the problem they solve, and answer questions from investor judges. - Following the on-slope pitches, the top two finalists from each category were selected to deliver a final five-minute pitch on stage at the ski lodge. - The event has a track record of successful winners, including Taos Bakes, which later secured $220,000 in angel investments, and UbiQD, which raised $7 million in Series A funding. - This year's Ski Lift Pitch attracted the largest number of investors and venture capitalists in the event's history, increasing networking and investment opportunities for the participating startups. - The judging panel included representatives from various venture capital firms such as Sun Mountain Capital, GAN Ventures, Kickstart Seed Fund, and Cottonwood Technology Fund.
