Pitch and PATENT

PnR's first long run is coming up!

Kat O’Brien & Dorothy Chau
July 09, 2024

Q&A with PNR Austin Founder Zeke Torres

Q: How did you learn about Pitch and Run?

A: I learned about Pitch and Run last year during TechWeek in NYC. A friend who knew I was a runner and into fitness recommended it to me. I went twice, on Friday and Monday, and was hooked from the first run!

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from Pitch and Run?

A: My favorite memory has to be my first run on Friday, October 20th, 2023. It was raining hard, yet we still had a big group. The level of commitment from everyone who stuck around for the run was impressive, and I knew then that I was in the right place. The conversations I had during the run were very meaningful and positive, and the high-quality people and connections I made were unparalleled compared to any other event I attended during NYC TechWeek. What made that run even sweeter was a photographer capturing a 🔥 photo of me, Denis, and Nihal running in the rain. My second favorite memory is definitely starting Pitch and Run ATX—our first run was exhilarating, and I knew it was the start of something great. My third favorite memory has to be leading our largest group run at SXSW—it was truly epic!

Q: What prompted you to launch PNR Austin?

A: I really enjoyed my first two runs in NYC and thought that the same community of founders, investors, and tech professionals gathered around the core principle of running and helping each other out was exactly what the Austin startup community could benefit from. I was also planning to move to Austin and thought it would be a great way to meet cool people and better understand the startup environment. All in all, it was my two loves colliding—running and the startup community—a perfect match. The stars aligned, and I knew I had to start PNR in Austin.

Q: We are getting a lot of interest in launching new PNR chapters. What advice would you have for somebody doing so?

A: My advice is to attend a few PNRs in NYC first. It can be hard to replicate something you haven't experienced yourself. I also advise a long-term commitment. Communities need consistency, and that requires dedication from the leader. Of course, there is more to building a community, but that’s a good start. I'm also happy to chat with anyone considering starting a chapter in their own city and share more about what has worked well for me in building Pitch and Run ATX!

Q: Tell us about what you’re doing for work

A: Right now, I am a Venture Fellow at Palm Venture Studios. We invest in startups that are stuck and need rescue capital. We look for companies that positively impact human and planetary health, focusing not just on what they are today but on what they could become. On a weekly basis, I meet with founders and investors, conduct due diligence on startups, and support the team with current portfolio items. A quick plug—if you or someone you know could be a fit and wants to chat, please don't hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect! Feel free to email me at [email protected]. On the side, I am continuing to rebuild my former full-time startup, alympos.com, which allows consumers to earn rewards and points on health and fitness spending.

Q: Goals for the next year? Can be running, career or other!

A: My current running goal is to run the NYC Marathon this year and at some point complete an IRONMAN. My current life goal is to continue raising my son Jade well (the most important startup in my portfolio), have another child before the end of 2025, and at some point have 5 children. My current career goal is to continue to learn more about investing in startups, become great at it and at some point launch my own fund.

Q: Where did you grow up and how long have you lived in the Austin area?

A: I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, just an hour south of Austin. I lived in San Antonio for most of my life, except during college when I attended Texas A&M University in College Station, about three hours from my hometown. San Antonio is a beautiful place, known for the Spurs, the River Walk, and the Alamo. It's geographically large and the 7th largest city in the US by population. The Mexican food here is phenomenal so hit me up if you ever visit and the city shuts down at the end of April every year for FIESTA, which is essentially a city wide party🎉. Although I still currently live in San Antonio, I commute to Austin at least once a week for work and PNR ATX. We plan to move to Austin in the next couple of months, which I'm excited about as it already feels like home.

Q: Favorite things about Austin?

A: Austin is an incredible city with amazing food, genuine and friendly people, and a vibrant, active community. There are plenty of outdoor activities, and you can find great live music or comedy every night. Plus, the entrepreneurship and tech scene here is thriving!

Must-dos for visitors? Of course, first things first, join me on a run at Pitch and Run ATX!

My top 5 things to do for visitors.

1) Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool
2) Kayak or Paddle Board on Lady Bird Lake
3) Grab brunch at Cafe No Se in South Congress Hotel
4) Take a stroll at Zilker Park
5) Don't forget to grab brisket, tacos and coffee at places recommended to you by some locals

Q: What do you like to do outside running and work?

A: I love spending time at the park with my wife and son, making top-notch coffee with my espresso machine, cooking food—especially smoking delicious meats outdoors and sharing it all with friends and family.

🚀 Product News

💫 Pitch and Run is submitted for PATENT through USPTO! After months of back and forth, Nihal has submitted an application to trademark “Pitch and Run”.

💫 Kat host 4 EVENTS this month for London Climate Action Week with Salesforce and Bayer

💫 Clinic Founder Start Up Series hosted by Wilson x Eniac Ventures
Developing an approach to life & winning formula: Patience, discipline, grit, accountability, focus, urgency, attitude, perspective, desire to learn, consistency of progression, intellectual honesty, defined goals with measurable results & time!