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Pitch n Run 2024 Wrapped

Pitch n Run 2024 Wrapped

Dorothy Chau & Kat O’Brien
January 06, 2025

Happy Holidays & New Year!

Q&A with Ivor Stratford, London PNR cofounder

Q: How did you learn about/get involved with Pitch and Run?

A: Matt Plourde introduced me to Pitch and Run around 2 years ago when I was in NYC hosting a dinner. I didn’t get a chance to run one when I was in town then and my first was in Chicago hosted by Austin on a VERY VERY cold January morning. Roll forward 6 months from Jan and Anne Marie Hagerty was in London and we did a pop up Pitch and Run. Shortly after, Nihal was in town, we hosted another Pitch and Run and here we are today. We have been running every Thursday since July 2024!

Q: What made you decide to start a London chapter? What are some learnings from starting a chapter you would share with others?

A: Starting the London Chapter was a no-brainer. I had seen and heard some seriously cool stories about Pitch and Run in NYC and across the US and it felt right that London was next on the list. We also get a lot of folks visiting London from NYC/ the US so it’s great when they can make an appearance and build their network across the pond!

Consistency, showing up every week regardless. I think having a Co-Lead is extremely useful for weeks when I have been travelling and to make sure we never miss a week!

Q: What are some favorite memories from Pitch and Run or favorite things you’ve gained from PnR?

A: Been able to spend multiple weeks in NYC and run/ hang out with friends and new faces which makes business travel less lonely/ more fun.

Q: What’s something people might not expect to get from PNR?

A: The sense of community. It’s no secret that there are now thousands of run clubs, many of which are exclusively running focussed. PNR combines an interest of running with work and professional life. The WhatsApp group is probably the most active group I have ever been a part of. I know the ability to ask questions and advice is extremely valuable to many. Finally, everyone wants to see others win!

Q: What do you do for work? Tell us about your company/role?

A: I am Co-Founder of a boutique Search, Talent & Staffing business based out of London and operating globally (largely in the US). We support early stage start ups through to global tech businesses as well as a number of VC funds. I get to spend a lot of time travelling and hanging out with some seriously impressive Founders & Leaders who scaling businesses

Q: What’s something that might surprise people about you?

A: I have only been running for just over 2 and a half years. I started to run when I gave up alcohol in May 2022. Since lacing up my first pair of running trainers, I have lost over 30kgs (65lbs) and ultimately it has changed my life. I have been able to go from running 3 miles (very slowly and close to passing out) to be able to run a marathon for ‘fun’ and looking at taking on challenges that a few years ago would have seemed impossible.

Q: Are you training for any races?

A: In 2025, I am running Barcelona Marathon, Hackney Half Marathon, D Day Landings Marathon (Northern France) with the big goal being a 100 mile ultra. This will either be a trail ultra or 402 laps of a 400 metre track. I’m also back out on my road bike and trying to fit in a half Ironman and full Ironman. That said, that may have to wait until 2026.

Q: What’s on deck for you in the next few months?

A: Building out our business and brand in the US and making a number of key hires whilst also intertwining that with life, home life, travel and a 60 plus miles a week and the gym!

Q: Since we are at the holidays, where are you spending them?

A: With my Wife, our Cavapoochon called Simba and Family. Taking some much needed downtime and also using it as an opportunity to get some long runs in to burn off the turkey & chocolate!

🎊 Congratulations Austin! 🎊

Austin got married on NYE! Best wishes on your journey ahead!

📈 2024 PnR Wins

Launched 3 new cities + abroad
Newsletter grew 340% with 24 posts
25 runners for the NYC marathon

💫 UPCOMING EVENTS

[Feb 2025] ⛷️ Pitch and Ski is brought to you by PeakRankings.
We will be hosting a group of 12 founders and VC representatives in a fully-stocked Utah mansion for an unforgettable weekend. Sign up for world-class skiing/snowboarding, off-slopes activities, and great times.