From 850+ entrants, Supportiv took home *first prize* for Social and Culture startups at the 11th annual SXSW Pitch® competition, the marquee event of the South by Southwest® Conference!

In March, Supportiv’s co-founders flew to South by Southwest in Austin. While there, they shared their vision for the future of mental wellness.

Over 850 startups applied to pitch at SXSW® 2019, and Supportiv was among the Top 10 finalists for Social & Culture.

After a 2-minute pitch and 6-minute, rapid-fire judges’ Q&A — in front of 2 packed ballrooms full of attendees — Supportiv won as a social innovator for its positive impact on culture and society.

In their pitch about peer support, Supportiv addressed the loneliness epidemic; generalized stress and worry; and the distorted reality created by social media.

These forces have created human needs that cannot be fulfilled by expensive therapy or mindfulness — solutions which turn us inward rather than towards the authentic human connections we need.

“For more than a decade, we’ve had the pleasure of watching the leading startups of today and tomorrow successfully capture the attention of investors, partners and prospective customers,” shares SXSW Pitch Event Producer Chris Valentine. He continues: “This year’s winners showcase the best of the best when it comes to delivering cutting-edge solutions.”

Anonymous peer support allows people to connect genuinely, free from stigma or embarrassment. This method of connection changes the way we react to feeling alone and unsupported.

And on Supportiv’s platform, users can connect 24/7, the moment they feel in need.

Supportiv feels honored to have been chosen as the SXSW Pitch Winner, 2019, for the Social and Culture category. Find out why anonymous peer support is the key to mental wellness (with 24 hours of free access). Or, read the full press release.