Instant Industry Credibility

Parking is a relationship business. Breaking in is hard. Accelerate! puts early-stage companies on stage in front of the parking professionals, potential customers, and entrepreneurs who've been there before. Get selected. Get connected. Accelerate!

Applications close February 28

Apply Now

"Finally pitching to people who truly get parking was incredible. The judges asked tough questions, but that's what makes it real and valuable."

— Troy Blaylock, COO of Parking Pin

2025 Winner presenting at Accelerate!

Why This Is Different

The only pitch competition built by parking entrepreneurs, for parking entrepreneurs.

Judges Who've Done It

Former winners, parking entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who know the difference between a demo and a deployable product, ready for the unique challenges of the parking industry.

Customers in the Room

PIE brings together parking professionals from all types of operations and segments who are looking for new solutions. Your pitch creates interest. Your booth is home base to connect, build relationships, and set next steps.

"I started Accelerate! because I wanted the place I wished had existed when we launched our first company. No one outside of the parking industry truly understands how hard parking is and why it's important."

— Kevin Uhlenhaker, CEO & Publisher, Parking Today Media

2025 Accelerate! finalists

What You Get

Discounted Expo Hall Booth

50% off a PIE booth of your choice

Pitch Coaching

Two sessions with the competition founder

Competitors' Dinner

With judges, former competitors, and sponsors

Industry Exposure

Parking Today magazine, website, and social media

Winner Takes the Cover

Feature article and cover in Parking Today's July Innovation Issue

More From Past Competitors

"Accelerate! opened doors for us: new partnerships, invaluable feedback, and real-world validation. It's an ideal launchpad for startups serious about the parking industry."

— Akhil Damani, Co-Founder of Hermit, 2025 Winner

"Presenting our unique product technology to a panel of industry professionals, peers, and potential customers was a game changer."

— Shabbir Karimi, CEO of SpotGenius

"Accelerate! gave us visibility with industry decision-makers and helped us refine our focus beyond just parking management."

— Amanda Ye, CPO of Proko Park

2024 Accelerate! finalists

How It Works

February 28th

Applications close

March 4th

Finalists notified (up to 6 selected)

March 9th- 20th

Coaching sessions

March 31

Pitch at PIE, Dallas

Who Should Apply

Early-stage parking companies (bootstrapped, pre-seed, seed, or early growth)
Working product (not just an idea)
Ready to exhibit at PIE and meet customers
Haven't been an Accelerate! finalist before

Note: All competitors purchase a PIE booth at 50% off. This puts you on the show floor to meet customers after your pitch.

FAQ

Is there an application fee?

No. The only cost is your discounted PIE booth, purchased after acceptance.

How much is the booth?

You get 50% off any booth. List prices range from $3,750 to $5,750, so you pay $1,875 to $2,875.

Why do I need a booth?

Your booth is where you meet customers after your pitch. The audience includes parking professionals and decision-makers who want to talk with you and learn more about your solutions.

How long is the pitch?

10 minutes total for presentation and Q&A with judges.

What about confidentiality?

Judges and audience don't sign NDAs. Treat anything you share as public.

Can I apply if I competed before?

Previous finalists cannot reapply. Semi-finalists and alternates can.

Get selected. Get connected. Accelerate!

Applications close February 11, 2026.