ConnectWise's IT Nation has announced the launch of its PitchIT accelerator program, a worldwide competition dedicated to incubating growth among ConnectWise's startup integration partners in the MSP space.

Now in its seventh year, ConnectWise PitchIT has attracted more than 150 participants, with this year's competition set to be the largest yet. Applicants participate in a 16-week business transformation course, receiving mentorship from industry experts covering sales, marketing, branding and messaging, product security and pitch development. Their progress is evaluated by industry-leading judges, vendors and podcasters across various MSP communities. Three finalists are chosen and then paired with a dedicated coach to refine their pitch before presenting it live at IT Nation Connect 2025, taking place in Orlando, Florida, in November.

"At ConnectWise, we are committed to three core promises to our partners: making it easier to do business with us, investing in partner growth, and driving more innovation, faster," said Manny Rivelo, CEO, ConnectWise. "That's exactly what PitchIT is all about — giving companies a chance to create solutions that integrate with our platform and make our partners' businesses more efficient, profitable and secure. With this program, we empower our partners with tools that enhance their efficiency, profitability and security, reinforcing our dedication to their success and ensuring we remain a partner they can grow with."

The PitchIT accelerator program is a testament to ConnectWise and IT Nation's commitment to helping MSPs discover new, innovative solutions while giving vendors the tools to grow. In addition to mentorship, resources and passes to IT Nation Connect, contestants gain access to ConnectWise's extensive network of 45,000-plus partners. With ConnectWise partnerships generating more than 1 million impressions annually, contestants benefit from unmatched visibility and industry reach.

"We're thrilled to see the PitchIT program continue to reach new heights, with more global applicants and an increasingly competitive contest every year," said Sean Lardo, economy evangelism director, ConnectWise. "This program isn't just about growth. It's about innovation that truly transforms the MSP community. By working closely with participants, ConnectWise and IT Nation provide the tools, resources and expert support they need to create game-changing solutions that allow our partners to grow. We're proud to play a role in their journey and can't wait to see the impact this year's participants are bound to make!"      

ConnectWise offers global opportunities for startups and emerging companies in the MSP industry, whether in EMEA, APAC or the Americas. With customized regional support, access to a network of more than 45,000 partners worldwide, and comprehensive empowerment and support, ConnectWise helps entrepreneurs achieve product-market fit and gain traction in their local and global markets. Additionally, the company's global network and marketplace link businesses with potential users and new opportunities, fostering expansion and entry into untapped markets.

"The PitchIT program and cohort were instrumental for launching ThreatMate into the managed service provider market," said Anup Ghosh, CEO, ThreatMate. "We not only got great exposure from PitchIT events and podcasts, but also hands-on coaching from the community of experienced MSP professionals PitchIT brought to bear week in and week out. Today we are also proud to announce a $3.2-million seed round led by Top-Down Ventures with Runtime Ventures and Blu Ventures participating. Without a doubt, being part of the PitchIT cohort helped separate us from the pack of early-stage companies."

ConnectWise actively encourages participation from every continent. There is no cost associated with applying and no cost if accepted. ConnectWise is awarding $100,000 in grant award money to the top two finishers ($70,000 for first place, $30,000 for second). Interested participants can submit their applications online until April 30.  

To learn more about the PitchIT Accelerator Program and apply, please visit https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/pitchit.

In other news, ConnectWise has announced its Executive Vice President & General Manager of Service Leadership and IT Nation Peter Kujawa and Director of Partner Program Keith Graham have been named to the 2025 CRN Channel Chiefs list, which recognizes the IT vendor and distribution executives who are driving strategy and setting the channel agenda for their companies.

Kujawa and Graham's extensive experience has made a significant impact on the success of  ConnectWise, its partners and the MSP community.

Kujawa oversees Service Leadership and IT Nation, which includes community programs such as IT Nation Connect, IT Nation Evolve peer groups, as well as ConnectWise partner advisory councils. With more than 20 years of executive experience, including 11 years leading an MSP and three years at ConnectWise, he demonstrates exceptional leadership and continues to lead efforts that enhance partner success.

Graham leads the design and execution of high-growth partner programs at ConnectWise, accelerating sales and platform adoption within the company's ecosystem. Having been with ConnectWise for more than a decade, he has played a critical role in delivering value to partners and accelerating the company's overall growth.

"Peter and Keith have played key roles in ConnectWise's transformative growth," said Manny Rivelo, CEO, ConnectWise. "Their contributions, as part of our collective mission to empower IT solution providers with unmatched software, services and community, have strengthened the IT Nation community while demonstrating our unwavering commitment to partner success and innovation across the channel ecosystem."

The Channel Chiefs list, released annually by CRN, showcases the top leaders throughout the IT channel ecosystem who work tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers.

"This year's honorees exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership that supports solution provider success and fosters growth across the channel," said Jennifer Follett, vice president of U.S. content, and executive editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. "Each of these exceptional leaders has made a lasting channel impact by championing partnerships and designing creative strategies that get results. They've set a high bar in the channel, and we're thrilled to recognize their standout achievements."

CRN's 2025 Channel Chiefs list will be featured in the February 2025 print issue of CRN Magazine and online beginning Feb. 3 at www.CRN.com/ChannelChiefs.