BleedIO Wins “Best in Show” at Phorum 2026 Demo Pit, Secures Spot at Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference
Roland NicholsThe Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) named BleedIO Tech “Best in Show” at the **Phorum 2026 Top Pitch Demo Pit competition, held during this year’s conference themed “Techtonic Shifts: Designing the AI-Powered Enterprise.”
The recognition also secures BleedIO a coveted opportunity to present at the Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference, one of the region’s premier showcases for high-growth companies, taking place this October.
Showcasing the Next Generation of Enterprise Innovation
The Phorum Demo Pit was designed to connect emerging technology companies with the C-level enterprise leaders attending the conference. Throughout the day, finalists demonstrated their platforms and solutions directly to decision-makers across industries.
Six startup finalists were selected to participate. In addition to exhibiting during the event, each company took the stage to present its vision, technology, and market opportunity to a panel of judges and the broader Phorum audience.
“Phorum’s Demo Pit consistently surfaces companies that are tackling real enterprise challenges with thoughtful, scalable solutions,” said Frank Shultz, Managing Partner at United Effects Ventures and a Demo Pit judge.
“As a technical founder, I look for teams that combine real engineering depth with commercial clarity. BleedIO nailed both. They’re solving a genuine problem in IoT connectivity, and they presented a business model with clear paths to adoption. They were the standout.”
Solving IoT Connectivity Challenges with Decentralized Networking
BleedIO develops decentralized networking software that enables large-scale IoT deployments using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh technology.
Its flagship platform, netMESH™, creates a self-healing, hubless network that allows thousands of devices to communicate directly with each other without relying on Wi-Fi, GPS, or constant cloud connectivity.
This architecture enables always-on wireless connectivity for use cases such as:
- Real-time asset tracking
- Environmental monitoring
- Industrial sensors and controls
- Indoor location intelligence
The platform is designed for deployment across complex environments including warehouses, campuses, smart buildings, and industrial facilities. Because the network operates independently, it can be installed almost anywhere and is portable enough to support public safety and emergency response operations.
A Milestone Moment for BleedIO
For the BleedIO team, winning the competition represents both validation and an opportunity to expand its reach within the enterprise technology ecosystem.
“Winning the Phorum Demo Pit is incredibly meaningful for our team,” said Lee Beup, Co-Founder of BleedIO. “PACT has built a powerful community of innovators, operators, and investors, and having the opportunity to share BleedIO’s story on this stage, and now at the Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference, is an exciting milestone for us.
A Launchpad for High-Growth Startups
The Phorum Demo Pit has developed a strong track record of spotlighting companies that go on to achieve significant growth.
Since the competition’s inception:
- Past winners have collectively raised nearly $350 million in capital
- One-third of participating companies have completed successful exits
Notable past participants include dbt Labs, Crossbeam, Nerdwise, RedOwl, and Ideate, last year’s winner.
As enterprise technology continues to evolve, the Demo Pit remains a key platform for introducing emerging solutions to investors, enterprise buyers, and industry leaders.
About Phorum
Phorum is an annual technology strategy conference that gathers leading thinkers and innovative companies around a central theme shaping the future of enterprise technology. Hosted in Philadelphia, the one-day event delivers insights from national experts, hands-on exposure to emerging solutions, and perspectives from business leaders implementing cutting-edge technologies.
About PACT
The Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT) is committed to being the go-to resource for fast-growing companies and a driver of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Philadelphia region. Through its events, programming, and member network, PACT connects companies with capital, customers, and strategic guidance to accelerate growth and success.
Learn about PACT Membership and see upcoming events for investors and entrepreneurs in technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Plus – get on PACT’s newsletter to stay connected with the latest resources!
