Fortify Ventures Announces Distilled Intelligence 3.0 Investor Summit and National Pitch Competition for Seed to Series A Startups
To ensure the summit remains accessible, selected founders will receive complimentary hotel accommodations and meals throughout the event, needing only to arrange their travel to Leesburg, Virginia.
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Distilled Intelligence has a notable history of identifying and showcasing early-stage companies that later achieved unicorn status, including Hinge and ID.me. With DI 3.0, Fortify Ventures continues this legacy by evolving the event beyond a traditional pitch competition into a comprehensive, four-day immersive experience designed to foster meaningful connections, high-value deal flow, and strategic partnerships.
The event will feature approximately 100 carefully selected seed to series A startups representing cutting-edge innovation across a wide variety of sectors, including human health, cybersecurity, defense tech, energy, and future-of-work.
Participating startups will have the chance to compete for a substantial prize of $1 million in the form of SAFE note, providing critical funding to help accelerate their growth and development. However, the pitching component is just one facet of this dynamic summit. Beyond the pitches, DI 3.0 emphasizes in-depth interactions and robust relationship-building opportunities designed to connect startups directly with the investors and partners most relevant to their specific needs.
The agenda for DI 3.0 is thoughtfully curated to maximize both structured and unstructured networking opportunities. The event begins with an opening VIP dinner on Monday, October 13, and continues with industry-specific breakout sessions, keynote speeches, and panel discussions featuring industry-leading experts. Attendees can also engage in a variety of recreational activities, such as golf, tennis, pickleball, yoga, a run club, and informal gatherings like evening campfire discussions. This intentional balance of structured sessions and relaxed networking settings creates an environment that encourages authentic conversations and long-term relationships.
Participants will find that DI 3.0 goes beyond typical industry conferences by providing a comfortable, engaging atmosphere and a curated off-site experience for founders, investors, and operators. Attendees are encouraged to connect organically, whether in a roundtable session or on the tennis court, fostering deep discussions and genuine interactions that extend well beyond the event itself. This unique approach is designed to create an impactful experience, leaving attendees inspired, recharged, and well-connected.
Founders interested in participating in DI 3.0 can submit applications directly through the event's official website at DistilledIntelligence.com. Fortify Ventures, alongside their co-investment partners, will carefully assess startups based on the strength of the team, market potential, product innovation, and demonstrated traction. To ensure the summit remains accessible, selected founders will receive complimentary hotel accommodations and meals throughout the event, needing only to arrange their travel to Leesburg, Virginia.
At DI 3.0, investors will receive exclusive access to carefully selected, high-conviction investment opportunities, including emerging venture funds and targeted co-investments with premier firms. Participating venture funds will engage in substantive dialogue, exchange valuable insights, and explore strategic collaborations designed to foster genuine relationships and meaningful alignment, emphasizing trust and depth over transactional networking.
In a new initiative, DI 3.0 also welcomes experienced startup operators. These invited guests bring valuable operational insights and practical experience that can significantly benefit both investors and early-stage startups at the event. Operators attending the summit also present opportunities for future collaboration, mentorship, and potentially new ventures.
Fortify Ventures and Loudoun County's Department of Economic Development have crafted DI 3.0 to provide comprehensive amenities and hospitality, ensuring that attendees can fully immerse themselves in the event without distractions. Accommodations, meals, and activities are thoughtfully included, providing a seamless experience that focuses solely on facilitating meaningful interactions.
'Distilled Intelligence 3.0 is more than just another investor event—it's a meticulously curated gathering designed to nurture the next generation of transformative businesses,' said Jonathon Perrelli, Managing Partner at Fortify Ventures. 'We're committed to bringing together brilliant minds, actionable opportunities, and fostering an environment where innovation thrives.'
'Loudoun County is honored to co-host DI 3.0, an event perfectly aligned with our mission of driving innovation and economic growth,' said Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudoun Economic Development. 'Our region continues to attract dynamic entrepreneurs and influential investors, and DI 3.0 exemplifies the spirit of innovation and strategic growth Loudoun County stands for.'
The event schedule, list of speakers, and the selected founders will be announced at a later date.
Founders of seed and series A startups may apply now through September 15, 2025, at https://www.distilledintelligence.com/. Selections will be made on a rolling basis, and companies are encouraged to apply early for an increased opportunity to be selected. Venture funds, angel investors, family offices, and strategic partners interested in attending or sponsoring can request invitations by emailing hello@fortify.vc.
For media inquiries and complimentary registration, please contact: kari@redironpr.com
About Fortify Ventures
Founded in 2011, Fortify Ventures is a venture capital ecosystem that invests in early-stage founders disrupting the status quo. The firm invests in people building innovative and disruptive technologies for human health, the future of work, and the infrastructure that powers both. Fortify provides its portfolio companies with robust community and operational guidance to maximize their impact. The company's reach extends far beyond capital, providing portfolio companies with operators, thinkers, executors, and change makers all aligned on a mission to move one step closer to tomorrow's world. The company's rich history includes more than 35 investments to date, nearly 10 successful exits, including Hinge, ID.me, and Socialtables. The company is headquartered in the Washington, DC area.
About Loudoun Economic Development
Loudoun County, Virginia, is one of the nation's fastest-growing and most innovative business hubs. Loudoun Economic Development empowers companies of all sizes to start, scale, and soar by delivering concierge-level service, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurship and investment, and promoting sustainable, diversified growth. From global tech leaders to visionary startups, businesses choose Loudoun for its unmatched connectivity, top-tier talent, and business-friendly environment.
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