In a recent LinkedIn post, Kathryn V. announced an innovative initiative to streamline the process for founders seeking patent protection, framing it as a more ‘human’ and ‘fun’ alternative to traditional application methods. Kathryn V. is opening her schedule for direct 15-minute pitch sessions every Saturday this month, culminating in an invitation to her “Patent Pending Party™” during Arizona Tech Week (April 6–12).
This unique approach aims to bypass the often lengthy and opaque application processes that can leave aspiring innovators discouraged. Kathryn V. highlights the common frustration with lengthy forms, essays, and application fees, only to receive generic rejection notices.
“No forms. No essays. No long applications. No paying an application fee only to receive the classic email weeks later: ‘We had an incredible pool of qualified candidates…’ …and still not knowing why you didn’t get selected.”
A Human-Centric Approach to Innovation Funding
Kathryn V. emphasizes a move away from bureaucratic hurdles toward a more direct and engaging interaction. The core of her initiative is a live pitch session where founders can present their ideas directly to her. As Kathryn V. explains, these sessions are designed to be a genuine conversation.
“Instead, just a live pitch and a real conversation,” Kathryn V. stated in her post. She further elaborated on the structure:
“If you’re building something amazing…a new product, a new system, a new way of solving a real problem…you can grab a slot and pitch it directly to me. You get 15 minutes. You explain what you’re building. I ask questions the way an investor with an IP strategist lens would.”
This direct engagement allows Kathryn V. to evaluate pitches from an investor’s perspective, specifically with an Intellectual Property (IP) strategist’s lens, identifying promising ventures that could benefit from formal patent protection.
The Patent Pending Party™ and Beyond
The ultimate goal of these pitch sessions is to select three founders who will be invited to the “Patent Pending Party™” during Arizona Tech Week. At this event, a live patent hackathon will take place, and the selected founders will have their ventures officially made patent-pending, with the associated costs covered by Kathryn V.
Kathryn V. clarified that geographical location is not a barrier, noting that selected participants will be included via Zoom if they cannot attend in person. This inclusive approach ensures that innovators from anywhere can benefit from the opportunity.
For those not selected as one of the top three, Kathryn V. has built in additional value. According to Kathryn V., applicants may receive constructive feedback on their pitches or potentially be connected with her network of angel investors and venture capitalists. She also encourages founders to try again for future events, stating, “And you’re always welcome to come back and pitch again for the next party.”
Protecting Scalable Ideas
Kathryn V. concludes her post by underscoring the importance of intellectual property in building successful businesses. “Ideas are everywhere. Protected, scalable ideas build real companies,” she asserts. This philosophy underpins her initiative to help founders secure their innovations early in their development cycle.
Founders interested in participating can book their 15-minute pitch sessions through a provided Hubble link. Kathryn V. reminds potential applicants that slots are limited, encouraging prompt action to secure a spot.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Kathryn V. on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 6, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →