From Pizza Nights to the Global Stage
Pitch Club wasn’t designed overnight — it was a continuous experiment sparked by courage, bridging continents and language barriers.
The Beginning: A Friday Experiment
“Could we create a safe, fun space where people could practise pitching ideas without fear?”
Pitch Club was born in Beijing in June 2019. Founded by James LaLonde and Martin Barnes, it began as a simple experiment: could we create a safe, fun space where people could practise pitching ideas without fear? The first sessions were small and intimate — just a few brave teammates, some pizza, soft drinks, and the promise of honest feedback. Everyone left with something valuable: more confidence, new friends, and sometimes even a T-shirt.
Growing Momentum: The Weekly Highlight
“What started as a handful of participants quickly became the company-wide highlight of every week.”
Word spread quickly. What started as a handful of participants became a weekly highlight, with hundreds of pitches covering everything from startup concepts to personal stories and passions. Colleagues cheered each other on, turning Friday afternoons into high-energy masterclasses.
Going Global: Connecting Across Time Zones
“When in-person sessions stopped, Pitch Club went online, opening the stage to colleagues worldwide.”
When the pandemic hit, in-person sessions stopped — but Pitch Club didn’t. It went online, opening the stage to colleagues worldwide. Suddenly, people from APAC, Europe, Africa, and the Americas were pitching together in the same virtual room, turning a global disruption into our greatest community catalyst.
Part of Our DNA: The Confidence Accelerator
“A confidence booster for non-native English speakers, helping many realise their full potential.”
What started as an experiment became a cultural cornerstone. Pitch Club turned into a rite of passage for every new Yodie and a creative outlet for veterans. It also became a confidence booster for non-native English speakers, helping many realise their full communication potential.
Six Years Strong: Back to Where It All Began
“We re-created the original set-up — pizza and all — reminding us that it is about courage, connection, and joy.”
We marked our sixth anniversary by going back to where it all began: Beijing. With family, friends, and networks joining us, we re-created the original set-up — pizza and all — reminding us that Pitch Club is about courage, connection, and joy. Seven years on, this ritual continues to shine brighter than ever.
