2025 ROAD TO LIONCAGE

ANNOUNCING THE ROAD TO LIONCAGE 2025

GET READY TO ROAR! Following the incredible success of LionCage 2024, we're thrilled to unleash the ROAD TO LIONCAGE 2025! Prepare for an electrifying series of SIX smaller pitch competitions across the Greater Philadelphia region, running from March through October! We're shining a spotlight on the brightest minds and most groundbreaking innovations, celebrating women founders, veteran founders, social impact startups, young entrepreneurs, and the BEST startups in the region. Each event is a high-stakes showdown, with the winners earning AUTOMATIC ENTRY into the grand finale: LionCage 2025 on November 14th at Penn State Great Valley! The countdown to LionCage 2025 has begun – are you ready to compete?

Penn State Brandywine
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CCEDC
Penn State Great Valley

Sponsorship Opportunities

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2025 LIONCAGE SEASON EVENTS

GirlFounder

March 26 | Women Founders

WHEN: March 26, 2025 | 5 - 9 PM
WHERE: Penn State Brandywine | Media, PA

Road to LionCage 2025 launches at Penn State Brandywine!

Get ready to roar! The Road to LionCage 2025 begins at Penn State Brandywine, celebrating women founders! Join us for an inspiring evening of innovation and empowerment as we launch our regional pitch competitions culminating in LionCage 2025.

The event features a dynamic panel discussion with prominent women leaders and entrepreneurs. Gain invaluable insights and advice on navigating the startup world, learn from their successes, and discover secrets to thriving. Ask questions, connect with mentors, and unleash your potential.

Witness exceptional women founders pitch groundbreaking ideas. These visionaries will showcase innovative solutions, vying for a guarantee spot at LionCage 2025 in November.

This event celebrates female empowerment. Connect with like-minded individuals, investors, mentors, and experts. Forge connections and find support.

Don't miss this Road to LionCage 2025 opportunity. Whether a seasoned entrepreneur, budding founder, or passionate about innovation, this event is for you. Join us at Penn State Brandywine and witness the power of women-led businesses. Let your inner lioness roar! Secure your spot today!

To register as a guest and more details

From below of pensive female freelancer in blue wearing thinking on new project while sitting alone in cozy cafe and looking away

May 21 | Open Category

WHEN: May 21, 2025 | 5 - 9 PM
WHERE: Berks County, Venue TBD

Next stop on the Road to LionCage 2025: Berks County – Open to All!

The Road to LionCage 2025 rolls into Berks County, opening its doors to ALL innovative companies! Join us for an exciting evening of competition and networking as we continue our series of regional pitch events, culminating in the grand finale, LionCage 2025.

This Berks County stop is a chance for entrepreneurs across all industries to shine. Whether you're developing cutting-edge technology, revolutionizing retail, or disrupting the status quo in any sector, this is your opportunity to showcase your vision.

The evening will feature a dynamic panel discussion with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and get expert advice on taking your business to the next level. Connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators, building the relationships that can fuel your growth.

Witness a diverse range of companies pitch their game-changing ideas. From disruptive startups to established businesses seeking expansion, these entrepreneurs will share their passion and demonstrate the potential of their ventures, all vying for a coveted spot at LionCage 2025.This event in Berks County is a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship in all its forms. Connect with a thriving community of like-minded individuals, investors, and industry experts. Forge valuable partnerships and find the resources you need to succeed.

Don't miss this Road to LionCage 2025 opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding startup founder, or simply passionate about innovation, this event is for you. Join us in Berks County and witness the power of groundbreaking ideas. Secure your spot today and get ready to roar!

Applications Open Soon!

June 18 | Young Entrepreneurs

WHEN: June 18, 2025 | 2 - 6 PM
WHERE: Downingtown STEM Academy | Downingtown, PA

Empowering the Next Generation: Road to LionCage 2025 lands at Downingtown STEM Academy!

The Road to LionCage 2025 makes its next stop at Downingtown STEM Academy, celebrating the ingenuity and drive of YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS! Join us for an inspiring evening showcasing the brightest young minds and their groundbreaking ideas as we continue our journey toward LionCage 2025.

This event shines a spotlight on the next generation of innovators. Young entrepreneurs, brimming with creativity and passion, will take center stage to pitch their ventures, demonstrating the power of youthful ambition and the potential for world-changing solutions.

The evening will feature an engaging panel discussion with successful young entrepreneurs and mentors. These inspiring individuals will share their experiences, offering invaluable advice and guidance on navigating the startup world and turning dreams into reality. Connect with role models, network with peers, and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit.

Witness the energy and excitement as young founders pitch their innovative concepts. From tech startups to social enterprises, these young visionaries will demonstrate their problem-solving skills and business acumen, all vying for a coveted spot at LionCage 2025.

This event at Downingtown STEM Academy is a celebration of youth entrepreneurship and a testament to the power of early innovation. Connect with a dynamic community of young founders, educators, mentors, and investors passionate about empowering the next generation. Forge connections and find the support you need to launch your venture.

Don't miss this Road to LionCage 2025 opportunity. Whether you're a young aspiring entrepreneur, a student with a great idea, or simply passionate about fostering youth innovation, this event is for you. Join us at Downingtown STEM Academy and witness the brilliance of young minds. Secure your spot today and get ready to inspire and be inspired!

Applications Open Soon!

Busy students in computer class: serious concentrated young African-American student boy in glasses coding information on laptop

July 23rd | Social Impact Initiative

WHEN: July 23, 2025 | 2 - 6 PM
WHERE: Chester County United Way | Exton, PA

Next stop on the Road to LionCage 2025 is at Chester County United Way!

Get ready to roar for change! The Road to LionCage 2025 ignites at the United Way of Chester County, celebrating social impact companies and non-profits! Join us for an inspiring evening of innovation and empowerment as we launch our regional pitch competitions culminating in LionCage 2025.

The event features a dynamic panel discussion with prominent leaders in the social impact and non-profit sectors. Gain invaluable insights and advice on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of creating positive change, learn from their successes, and discover secrets to maximizing impact. Ask questions, connect with mentors, and unleash your potential for good.
Witness exceptional social impact ventures and non-profits pitch groundbreaking ideas. These visionaries will showcase innovative solutions to pressing social issues, vying for a coveted LionCage 2025 spot.

This event celebrates the power of purpose-driven organizations. Connect with like-minded individuals, investors, philanthropists, and experts passionate about social change. Forge connections and find the support you need to amplify your impact.

Don't miss this Road to LionCage 2025 opportunity. Whether a seasoned changemaker, budding social entrepreneur, or passionate about making a difference, this event is for you. Join us at the United Way of Chester County and witness the power of purpose-driven businesses. Let your inner changemaker roar! Secure your spot today!

Applications Open Soon!

Social
Portrait of male entrepreneur with arms crossed standing by open sign at cafe

September 17 | Open Category

WHEN: September 17, 2025 | 2 - 6 PM
WHERE: Philadelphia, PA, Venue TBD

Philly's Calling: Road to LionCage 2025 heads to the city of brotherly love!

The Road to LionCage 2025 is hitting the streets of Philadelphia, and it's open season for innovation! Join us for an evening of pitches and networking as we bring our search for the region's top startups to the heart of the City of Brotherly Love.

This Philadelphia event is a high-stakes showdown for entrepreneurs across all industries. Whether you're a tech disruptor, a creative innovator, or a game-changer in any field, this is your chance to showcase your vision and compete for a coveted spot at LionCage 2025.

Get ready for a dynamic panel discussion featuring prominent Philadelphia business leaders and entrepreneurs. Gain invaluable insights into the city's vibrant startup ecosystem, learn from their experiences, and get expert advice on navigating the challenges and opportunities of the Philadelphia market. Connect with mentors, investors, and fellow innovators who can help propel your business forward.

Witness a diverse array of companies pitch their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of expert judges. From early-stage startups to established businesses seeking growth, these entrepreneurs will demonstrate the ingenuity and potential of their ventures, all vying for the chance to compete at LionCage 2025.

This Philadelphia stop on the Road to LionCage 2025 is a celebration of the city's entrepreneurial spirit. Connect with a thriving community of founders, investors, mentors, and industry experts. Forge valuable partnerships and find the resources you need to succeed in the competitive Philadelphia landscape.

Don't miss this Road to LionCage 2025 opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding startup founder, or simply passionate about innovation, this event is for you. Join us in Philadelphia and witness the power of groundbreaking ideas. Secure your spot today and get ready to roar!

Applications Open Soon!

October 15 | Veteran Founders

WHEN: October 15, 2025 | 5 - 9 PM
WHERE: Layer Eight Security | Malvern PA

Honoring Our Heroes: Road to LionCage 2025 salutes veteran founders in Malvern!

The Road to LionCage 2025 proudly stops in Malvern, PA, to celebrate the dedication and innovation of our VETERAN FOUNDERS! Join us for an inspiring evening of pitches and camaraderie as we recognize the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership of those who served.

This Malvern event is a tribute to the skills, discipline, and resilience of veteran entrepreneurs. We're showcasing the businesses and ideas of those who have transitioned their service to our country into building and leading successful ventures. This is their chance to share their vision and compete for a spot at LionCage 2025.

The evening will feature a powerful panel discussion with successful veteran entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hear their stories of transition, gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and receive expert advice on leveraging the unique skills and experiences gained through military service. Connect with mentors, investors, and fellow veterans in the entrepreneurial community.

Witness a showcase of diverse veteran-owned businesses as they pitch their innovative solutions. From technology startups to service-based businesses, these entrepreneurs will demonstrate their commitment to excellence and their drive to succeed, all while vying for the opportunity to compete at LionCage 2025.

This event in Malvern is a celebration of veteran entrepreneurship and a testament to their continued service to our nation. Connect with a supportive community of fellow veterans, investors, mentors, and industry experts. Forge valuable partnerships and find the resources you need to grow your business.

Don't miss this Road to LionCage 2025 opportunity. Whether you're a veteran entrepreneur, a supporter of veteran-owned businesses, or simply passionate about innovation, this event is for you. Join us in Malvern and honor the entrepreneurial spirit of our heroes. Secure your spot today and get ready to roar!

Applications Open Soon!

A veteran job training center with veterans learning practical skills in a hands-on environment, preparing for the transition to civilian employment

November 14, 2025 | LionCage

WHEN: November 14, 2025 | 8 AM - 7 PM
WHERE: Penn State Great Valley | Malvern PA

The Ultimate Showdown: LionCage 2025 is HERE!

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived! The culmination of the Road to LionCage 2025 is upon us: LionCage 2025! Join us for an exciting day of high-stakes pitches, inspiring stories, and game-changing innovations as the region's top startups battle it out for the ultimate prize.

After months of intense competition and inspiring journeys, the finalists from our regional pitch events have earned their place on the LionCage stage. These exceptional entrepreneurs, representing the best and brightest from across the Greater Philadelphia area, are ready to unleash their full potential and showcase their groundbreaking ventures to a distinguished panel of judges.

Prepare for a night of captivating pitches, as these finalists present their innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. From cutting-edge technology to disruptive social enterprises, these are the companies poised to shape the future.

LionCage 2025 is more than just a pitch competition; it's a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit, a testament to the power of innovation, and a platform for connecting with the region's leading investors, mentors, and industry experts. This is your chance to witness the birth of the next generation of successful companies.

Connect with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. Forge valuable partnerships, gain invaluable insights, and be inspired by the passion and determination of these exceptional founders.

Don't miss the ultimate showdown: LionCage 2025! Join us for an unforgettable evening of innovation, inspiration, and the crowning of the LionCage champion. Secure your spot today and witness history in the making! Get ready to roar!

More information will be available soon!

Organizing team: Tony Mattei | Penn State Brandywine, Matt Cabrey | i2n/CCEDC, Leo Daiuto | Penn State Great Valley, Kelly Cockshaw United Way of Chester County
Organizing team: Tony Mattei | Penn State Brandywine, Matt Cabrey | i2n/CCEDC, Leo Daiuto | Penn State Great Valley, Kelly Cockshaw United Way of Chester County

Thirty entrepreneurial teams pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of judges at the LionCage Pitch Competition held at Penn State Great Valley on November 8. Competing for prize money and expert advice, each team had five minutes to present their companies, addressing challenges from healthy food access to navigation for the visually impaired. The event, a collaboration between Invent Penn State LaunchBoxes, the Chester County United Way, and the Chester County Economic Development Council’s i2n, provided participants with coaching, networking opportunities, exposure to funders, and insights from industry leaders.