The SXSW® Conference and Festivals announced the finalists for its 17th annual SXSW Pitch®, showcasing 45 innovative startups across nine categories. The event, held on March 8-9, 2025, at the Hilton Austin Downtown, selected these companies from 589 applications. Each startup will present to a panel of judges, vying for category awards and the Best In Show title. Notable judges include industry leaders from various sectors. Since its inception in 2009, SXSW Pitch finalists have collectively raised over $23.2 billion, demonstrating the event’s significant impact on the startup ecosystem.