Seattle, WA – June 30, 2025 – Ecosystem Venture Group today announced the acquisition of PeopleConnect and PitchForce, two long-standing platforms that have played a pivotal role in helping startups scale through strategic hiring and investor access.
EcoVG’s CEO, Brianna McDonald, stated, “The move marks a significant step toward building a more connected and comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem. With PeopleConnect’s decades-long expertise in talent acquisition and PitchForce’s investor engagement platform, the acquisition brings together essential components that early-stage companies need to grow and thrive”.
“Hiring top-tier talent is one of the greatest challenges founders face after raising capital,” said Max Shapiro, Founder and CEO of PeopleConnect and PitchForce. “By aligning with Ecosystem Venture Group, we’re making it easier for companies to access both the capital and the people they need to succeed.”
Established to meet the hiring needs of startups across industries, PeopleConnect has been described as the most unique recruiting firm in the country due to the fact that they fill any position at any level for any type of early-stage tech company anywhere in the US. PeopleConnect has a team that averages 25 years of recruiting experience and 14 years with PeopleConnect, who are experts at old-fashioned headhunting. The acquisition ensures that Ecosystem Venture Group’s portfolio companies also have streamlined access to the right talent at the right time.
PitchForce, also founded by Shapiro, hosts weekly virtual or in-person pitch events where entrepreneurs present to panels of angel investors and venture capitalists. These fast-paced sessions offer immediate feedback and often result in investor interest, mentorship, or key introductions.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey,” said Brianna McDonald, CEO of Ecosystem Venture Group. “We’re building an environment where early-stage companies are not only funded but fully supported with resources, connections, and people to help them scale.”
About Ecosystem Venture Group
Ecosystem Venture Group is an early-stage investment firm that bridges the gap between traditional venture capital and private equity. An evolution born out of 25 years of experience working intimately with investors and entrepreneurs, EcoVG empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses while providing investors with well-vetted, high-potential opportunities.
About PeopleConnect
For twenty-six years, PeopleConnect has been leading the charge for tech companies looking to grow great teams. They have matched hundreds of start-ups with outstanding talent & and have been recognized as one of the top early-stage recruiting firms in the US. PeopleConnect remains a trusted hiring partner for startups and growth-stage companies.
About PitchForce
Now in its 13th year, PitchForce connects promising startups with Silicon Valley investors through weekly virtual, hybrid, and in-person pitch events. Founders raising pre-seed to Series A rounds work with the PitchFoce team to perfect their pitch. They present a 4-minute pitch to a panel of angel investors and venture capitalists, followed by 4 minutes of Q&A, and then receive ten minutes of non-rebuttal feedback from each of the four investors. Besides fundraising, PitchForce also helps in building strong investor relationships for networking and mentorship.
