News
Speaker stories, pitch competition news and founder advice from the Summit.
Speakers
Peter Kazanjy Wrote the Book on Founder-Led Sales. We're Giving Away 300 Copies at the 2026 Startup Mountain Summit.
Peter Kazanjy coined founder-led sales and wrote the book on it. He speaks at the Startup Mountain Summit this October, and we're giving away 300 copies.
September 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Founder Leadership
Stop Asking Employees to Think Like Owners (Until You Give Them a Reason To)
Most founders want ownership-level commitment without offering ownership-level upside. Here's why that mindset burns teams out, and what actually changes behavior.
May 28, 2026
Pitch Competition Strategy
Pitch Competitions for Startup Founders in 2026
The best pitch competitions for startup founders in 2026 — what to look for, how to prepare, and why the right pitch contest can change your trajectory.
May 4, 2026
Founder Stories & Journeys
The PORCH Method: Personal Branding for Founders That Actually Works
Learn the PORCH Method for founder personal branding — a framework from Amanda Goetz that builds trust, community, and real momentum for your startup.
April 9, 2026
Startup Fundraising & VC
What Investors Actually Look for in an Early-Stage Startup
Discover what investors actually look for in an early-stage startup before writing a check. Learn how to stand out at pitch competitions and startup events.
April 8, 2026
Startup Events & Conferences
The Best New Business Conferences for Entrepreneurs in 2026
Discover the best new business conferences for entrepreneurs in 2026. From pitch competitions to investor networking, find the events worth your time.
March 26, 2026
Startup Conference & Community
How One Appalachian Conference Is Taking on the World
The Startup Mountain Summit has brought world-class speakers like Brad Feld, Noah Kagan, and Rob Walling to Appalachia. Here's how one conference is putting Johnson City, TN on the global startup map.
March 18, 2026
Startup Events & Founder Resources
Startup Conferences in 2026 That Every Founder Should Know About
From the Startup Mountain Summit in Johnson City to TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, here are the startup conferences and pitch competitions every founder needs on their 2026 calendar.
March 18, 2026
Startup Events & Pitch Competitions
6 Pitch Competitions Every Founder Should Know About in 2026
From a $1M Startup World Cup qualifier in Johnson City to Venture Atlanta's $375K prize, here are the top pitch competitions across the Southeast every founder should have on their radar in 2026.
March 16, 2026
Startup Ecosystem & Rural Entrepreneurship
How the Startup World Cup Is Changing the Game for Rural Founders in Northeast Tennessee
For the first time, a global pitch competition is coming to a rural startup ecosystem. Here's what the Startup World Cup qualifier means for founders and business owners in Northeast Tennessee.
March 16, 2026
Startup Events & Pitch Competitions
The Startup World Cup Is Coming to Johnson City
Johnson City, TN will host the Tennessee Regional qualifier for the Startup World Cup at the Startup Mountain Summit on October 12th at ETSU's Brinkley Center. Learn how to apply and attend.
March 16, 2026
Building in Public: The Power of Being the Relatable Hero
If you spend any time in the creator or startup world, you’ve definitely heard the advice: “Build in public.” It’s become this holy-grail mantra. I've heard it tossed around on podcasts, plastered acr
December 29, 2025
Asia Orangio’s Path to DemandMaven
Meet Asia Orangio, 3 time Startup Mountain Summit Speaker, CEO and Founder of DemandMaven.
September 26, 2025
What We Can Learn From Richmond’s BLCK Street Summit
In 2022, Richmond, Virginia, became home to something new: the BLCK Street Conferencehttps://www.blckstreetconference.com/ "the BLCK Street Conference". It launched at a moment when entrepreneurs were
September 22, 2025
How Anthony Pierri Turned Thought Leadership into a High-Growth Agency
Discover how Anthony Pierri leveraged LinkedIn thought leadership to build a fast-growing consultancy called FletchPMM.
September 3, 2025
Canceling Hustle Culture: Why the Startup Mountain Summit Is Shifting the Conversation
Join the movement of canceling hustle culture. Discover how to value hard work without sacrificing your well-being.
July 23, 2025
Katie Taylor: Building Startups with Story
Discover how Katie Taylor's unique educational background in the arts shaped her entrepreneurial success and vision.
July 10, 2025
Amanda Goetz: Building Success Through Community
Explore the inspiring journey of Amanda Goetz, a passionate community builder with grit and determination.
July 8, 2025
Brad Feld: Give Before You Get
Learn about Brad Feld's "Give Before You Get" mentality and how it shapes business relationships from startup to mentor.
June 30, 2025
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