Third Thursday @ 3 Wraps Up the Year at Pelion
Third Thursday @ 3 closed out the year at Pelion with fast-paced pitches, record attendance, and growing momentum, underscoring its evolution into a cornerstone of Utah’s venture ecosystem.
Ecosystem
Draper, Utah — December 19, 2025
Yesterday, the Silicon Slopes ecosystem converged at Pelion for the final Third Thursday @ 3 of the year. Part pitch-fest, part holiday celebration, the event didn’t just close out 2025—it underscored the growing momentum behind Utah’s venture community.
Founded in 2023 by venture advisor and startup scout Ray Smithson and powered by Kinect Capital, Third Thursday @ 3 was created as a low-friction, founder-first gathering where ideas move fast and access matters. What began as a monthly pitch event has steadily grown into a consistent meeting point for founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders across Utah, rotating through major venues and drawing increasingly large crowds.
The afternoon at Pelion kicked off with a showcase of Kinect Capital alumni, who delivered ten-minute elevator pitches, followed by an open-mic session from local founders. Each participant had just 30 seconds to share their vision—demanding clarity, creativity, and speed. As the pitches wrapped, networking shifted into high gear, fueled by churros and the energy of a community clearly firing on all cylinders.
Following the pitches, we spoke with Smithson to reflect on a year of growth.
For Smithson, the mission remains simple: lean into the unknown. “I think venture is a great adventure,” he said. “There’s a reason the two words sound so similar. People are doing something in the unknown, doing something new, and it’s always inspiring to see founders taking that leap.”
While Smithson has lived and worked globally, he believes Utah is creating a uniquely compelling venture environment. “I’ve visited a lot of places, but I truly feel like the adventure is happening in Utah right now. It’s awesome.”
The holiday edition at Pelion marked the largest Third Thursday @ 3 event in the organization’s history. Smithson credited the turnout to strong collaboration, specifically highlighting Tyler Jennings and the Reference Group for helping host and bring together a powerful crowd.
Looking ahead, Smithson is already teasing what’s next in 2026.
- February 2026: Third Thursday @ 3 celebrates its three-year anniversary.
- March 2026: A major Q1 event is in the works. While details remain under wraps, Smithson hinted at a guest list that could include international royalty and leaders from a major foreign tech ecosystem.
“We’re planning on doing something even bigger at Pelion in March,” Smithson said. “We’ll have some really awesome entrepreneurs from all over the world coming. Something very special is going to happen.”
As the year comes to a close, one thing is clear: Third Thursday @ 3 has evolved into a meaningful fixture in Utah’s venture landscape. If the momentum from the Pelion finale is any indication, the venture adventure is only getting started.
Learn more at Third Thursday @ 3.
