The Scale Up New Mexico program, partially funded by the U.S. Development Administration and based at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center, recently celebrated the successful completion of its 2025 cohort's Pitch Deck Sprint accelerator program.
Designed to equip New Mexico-based tech startup founders with strategic tools needed to refine their pitch decks and investor presentations, the accelerator provided participants with invaluable mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. The program enabled founders to master the art of persuasive pitching, tailor their presentations to diverse investor audiences, and develop a strong understanding of the essential components of an effective pitch deck. Throughout the sprint, more than 20 mentors shared their expertise, offering personalized feedback to help participants fine-tune their investment pitches.
The Pitch Deck Sprint is a key initiative within Scale Up NM, an integrated collection of programs designed to support early-stage startups in the state. Following a competitive selection process, 10 New Mexico-based startups embarked on a six-week intensive program filled with mentorship, educational workshops and networking opportunities.
Participants engaged in dynamic learning sessions that blended theoretical insights with practical, hands-on activities. The program included interactive workshops, one-on-one mentoring, breakout groups and networking events, culminating in a live pitch session before active regional investors.
"We are incredibly proud of the progress our participants made throughout the Pitch Deck Sprint program," said Carlos Murguia, Scale Up NM program manager. "Over the past six weeks, they have honed their pitching skills, refined their business strategies and gained the confidence needed to effectively engage with investors. This program sets our entrepreneurs on a path to success in the competitive startup landscape."
The 2025 cohort featured startups from a diverse range of industries, including software as a service, financial technology, wellness, internet of things, fusion energy, batteries, nuclear fusion, biotechnology and autonomous systems. Their innovative solutions and technological advancements have the potential to drive meaningful industry transformation.
"We look forward to seeing our participants apply the skills they've gained in upcoming pitch competitions and investor meetings," said Dana Catron, interim director and CEO of Arrowhead Center. "The confidence, strategic insight and presentation skills they have developed through our Pitch Deck Sprint will be instrumental as they continue to grow and scale their ventures."
To further support participants, the Pitch Deck Sprint fostered a collaborative environment, allowing founders to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and advisers. Participants also benefited from graphic design support provided by NMSU students who assisted in developing branding elements and enhancing the visual storytelling of their pitch decks.
"Scale Up's Pitch Deck Sprint exceeded my expectations in every way. The curriculum was densely packed with high-quality expert perspectives that would benefit entrepreneurs at any stage of development. Most impressive was how the advisers could provide critical and penetrating analysis while maintaining a positive, supportive environment that kept the value of our products center stage," said Dawn Robertson, founder of Alignr. "I'm concluding this sprint with excitement and clear next steps. Most importantly, I now feel equipped to present a concise concept to almost any audience. This accelerator has transformed not just my business, but my confidence as an entrepreneur".
For more information about Scale Up NM contact Murguia at
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/scale-up-nm-program-at-nmsu-celebrates-latest-pitch-deck-sprint-cohort/s/52b31939-4bd1-4892-a411-6b4001d207b0
