ConnectWise's IT Nation, a global community of peers, thought leaders and experts dedicated to elevating the IT ecosystem to new heights, has announced the companies selected as finalists to compete in the PitchIT program. Established in 2018, PitchIT is a startup incubation competition that allows innovators to showcase potential offerings that can be built or integrated into the ConnectWise ecosystem. The competition aims to improve the efficiency, profitability and security of ConnectWise's more than 44,000 MSP partners. By fostering collaboration and investment in partner growth, PitchIT facilitates faster innovation and synergies between ConnectWise and its partners, ultimately driving the advancement of ConnectWise partners.

Participating companies will participate in a 16-week business transformation course, comarketing efforts with ConnectWise through webinars aimed at the manager service provider (MSP) space. To increase partner visibility, participating companies will be listed on the ConnectWise Marketplace, where they will have the opportunity to grow their MRR by up to 50%, increase lead generation by 40% and shorten sales cycles by 30%.

Close to 100 companies from seven different countries have participated in the PitchIT competitions from 2018 to present. The following 26 companies have been selected as the 2024 class:

1. Scott & Scott LLP, a law firm focused on IT services and Privacy and Security based in the Dallas area, Texas
2. Giant Rocketship, an AI-powered platform that revolutionizes helpdesk profitability in Autotask based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
3. PC Powersave, a tool to reduce computer energy consumption and generate environmental reports based in Birmingham, United Kingdom
4. DefensX, a product to improve safe working anywhere on any network or device by converting a traditional web browser into a zero-trust secure browser based in New York City, New York
5. MSP Process LLC, which improves MSP service delivery with PSA-integrated verification, communication and automation tools based in New Orleans, Louisiana
6. Overe LTD, a continuous monitoring tool for SaaS environments based in London, United Kingdom
7. Senteon, which helps MSPs improve their compliance measures based in Marietta, Georgia
8. xAmplify Inc., a channel marketing automation and PRM platform based in Fremont, California
9. Xeneth Pty. Ltd., a billing tool to help MSPs improve their profitability based in Brisbane, Australia
10. ThreatMate, an attack surface reduction, risk scoring and IT compliance platform based in Dover, Delaware
11. Strategy Overview, an MSP life-cycle management software based in White Plains, New York
12. RYTHMz, a 5G network provider for MSPs based in Phoenix, Arizona
13. GetInSync Strategic Management, a tool designed to help MSPs build business plans based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
14. ThreatCaptain, a financial cyberrisk platform for MSPs based in Greenville, South Carolina
15. HighGround.io, a cybersecurity sales enablement tool based in Perth, United Kingdom
16. Cavelo Inc., a simplified data protection and attack surface management platform based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
17. Infima Cybersecurity, a cybersecurity training software product based in Orlando, Florida
18. ShadowHQ, a virtual bunker for cybersecurity attack response based in Montebello, New York
19. The ComplianceAide, a multilingual AI-driven compliance co-pilot designed for SMBs based in Plainfield, Indiana
20. CheckRed, a united platform for SaaS and Cloud security based in Dallas, Texas
21. SeedPod Cyber LLC, offers unique insurance programs focused on cyber insurance and Tech E&O based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
22. ZenContract, an MSP contract management tool based in Auckland, New Zealand
23. Strety, a EOS for team management tool based in Miami, Florida
24. Aportio Technologies, which automates customer service centers and IT help desks with AI to improve service experiences based in Auckland, New Zealand
25. Symoda Ltd., a customer communication and experience platform for IT services based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
26. CrushBank, an AI knowledge management system for IT providers based in Syosset, New York

Throughout the competition, thought leaders within the MSP space will serve as "Cameo Coaches" to provide guidance and feedback to participating companies. The judges will evaluate each solution based on product innovation, value proposition, GTM strategy, contribution to the industry and likelihood of success in order to narrow down the three finalists.

"We're thrilled to announce this year's PitchIT cohort," said Sean Lardo, evangelist, ConnectWise. "PitchIT participants provide crucial innovation to the channel as a whole and have seen significant success in the past, including increases in revenue, shortened sales cycles, and even new acquisitions and fundraising rounds. We're looking forward to introducing this year's solutions to our partner ecosystem and beginning the judging process to crown this year's winner as part of our efforts to bring greater security and profitability to the MSP community."

The finalists selected from this group will be invited to present their solutions on the center stage at IT Nation Connect on Nov. 6-8, 2024. The first-place winner will receive $70,000 in prize money and the second-place winner will receive $30,000. The three 2023 finalists realized a 200% increase in closed deals during the competition.

"We tremendously value the opportunity for exposure that the PitchIT competition provides to up-and-coming startups in the channel," said Brian Doyle, co-founder and CEO, Essex, Connecticut-based vCIOToolbox and second-place PitchIT 2023 winner. "The structure of the PitchIT competition provides a clear way for us to continue showcasing our product and receive the feedback we need to make it the most successful addition possible to the channel community."