The Next Big AIdea: INBOUND 2025’s AI Startup Showdown Is Here

If you’re building the next great AI company, it’s time to let the world know.

Introducing The Next Big AIdea, HubSpot for Startups and HubSpot Media’s pitch competition for early-stage AI startups building solutions that help customers grow better. Whether you're creating AI tools that personalize customer experiences, enhancing human-AI collaboration, or solving friction points in how companies operate, this is your moment to spotlight how your solution is part of the next generation of business tools.

And yes, there’s a prize. But this isn’t just about the money (though $50,000 in cash doesn’t hurt). It’s about visibility, community, and momentum.

Finalists will pitch live on September 4, 2025, in San Francisco during INBOUND 2025, facing off in front of a panel of expert judges and a packed room of founders, investors, and future fans. The winner takes home the cash, but every finalist walks away with powerful exposure, premium tools, and a platform to scale their story.

So, what’s on the line?

$50,000 in no-strings-attached cash to fund your next move
Media features across HubSpot’s flagship platforms reaching millions
600,000 credits and a Pro Plan from Clay, to help with your growth ops
$25,000 in AWS Credits, to scale your AI infrastructure (plus, all finalists will receive $5,000 in AWS Credits!)
A spotlight moment at INBOUND 2025, pitching on a stage in front of industry leaders

If you’re building something with purpose and edge, now’s your time.

HOW TO THROW YOUR HAT IN THE RING

Start by recording a 60-second video that brings your story to life. Tell us what you’re building, how it works, and why it matters.

Then, fill out a short application form. Share your startup’s stage, your traction, and your vision for the future. It takes five minutes, tops.

Finally, submit everything by July 25 at 11:59 PM EST. That’s your deadline.

From there, the panel will review the entries and select five standout startups to join us in San Francisco. If you’re chosen, you’ll have your travel covered and a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic startup moments at INBOUND.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Next Big AIdea is designed for early-stage AI startups with serious potential and a product to prove it. We’re looking for:

U.S.-based and incorporated
Early-stage (anywhere from bootstrapped to Series A)
Offering a working product that customers can already use or test
Using AI in a way that’s thoughtful, useful, and grounded in real-world impact

We're especially excited about startups building tools that help customers grow better—whether that’s through automation, intelligence, personalization, or entirely new business models.

If that sounds like you, it’s time to make your pitch.

BEYOND THE PITCH: SESSIONS FOR SCALING

Even if you're not pitching, INBOUND 2025 has you covered with a lineup of sessions designed to sharpen your leadership edge and give your startup what it needs to scale.

Looking to tighten your pitch for investors? Don’t miss How to Get Your Business Venture Capital Ready—a crash course in making your startup irresistible to VCs.
Trying to build a high performing team? The Leadership Gap is Costing You—Here’s How to Fix It dives into data-backed strategies on how to build stronger, more inclusive teams.
Curious how your small team can outpace a giant? AI as the Great Equalizer explores how nimble teams are using AI to compete with industry titans.
And for the playbook obsessives: GTM Growth Decoded and Scaling with AI break down tactical growth insights straight from early-stage founders.

Whether you're stepping on stage or soaking up inspiration from the crowd, The Next Big AIdea is just one part of what makes INBOUND 2025 a catalyst for growth-minded founders. From the insights and sessions, to the speakers and community, INBOUND delivers the inspiration and momentum every founder needs to grow smarter and faster.