Appellate Takes the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch 

The countdown is on for Pumpkin Pitch 2025, one of Howard County’s most exciting celebrations of entrepreneurship and innovation. On Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Among them is Appellate, a company tackling a challenge many don’t think about until they have to, police towing. 

Appellate is stepping onto the Pumpkin Pitch stage with a clear mission: to bring efficiency, accountability and fairness to towing management. Their solution, the Automated System for Towing & Recovery Operations (ASTRO), is built to modernize the way law enforcement manages towing, ensuring officers, towing companies and community members all benefit from a more transparent process. 

Who Is Appellate? 

Appellate was founded with a vision to transform an outdated and often frustrating system. In many places, police towing operations lack consistency and can leave room for confusion or even exploitation. Appellate saw an opportunity to fix this by giving law enforcement the tools they need to manage towing more effectively and fairly. 

Their flagship platform, ASTRO, puts real-time towing data in the hands of officers. It makes it easier to run accurate searches, record vehicle details and track inventory, reducing errors and strengthening compliance. By creating transparency and accountability, ASTRO also helps protect community members from unfair practices. 

In short, Appellate is doing more than building a product. They’re creating a system that empowers law enforcement while looking out for everyday people. 

Why Pumpkin Pitch Matters for Appellate 

For a startup like Appellate, Pumpkin Pitch isn’t just a competition, it’s a chance to grow. 

“Pitch competitions give us the ability to interact with government leaders, community members and private-sector partners,” the Appellate team shared. Getting real-time feedback at this stage is critical for their expansion and there isn’t a better opportunity to connect with such a diverse group of people. 

That’s the power of Pumpkin Pitch. Startups get to test their ideas in front of an audience that includes not just potential customers, but also the policymakers, mentors and business leaders who can open doors to new opportunities. For Appellate, that feedback could shape the next phase of their growth. 

The Bigger Picture: Why Pitch Competitions Matter 

Pumpkin Pitch has become a cornerstone of Howard County’s innovation ecosystem because it benefits everyone involved. 

• For startups, it’s a launchpad. The exposure, validation and connections help them refine their business models and gain momentum. 

• For attendees, it’s a front-row seat to the region’s most exciting ideas. The event offers networking, inspiration and the chance to meet the entrepreneurs shaping tomorrow’s economy. 

• For the community, it’s proof that Howard County supports innovation, entrepreneurship and small business growth. 

Competitions like Pumpkin Pitch create a cycle of innovation: startups get the resources they need to grow and in turn, they strengthen the local economy by creating jobs and driving impact. 

Why You Should Attend Pumpkin Pitch 2025 

If you’ve never experienced Pumpkin Pitch, this is the year to go. The energy is contagious, the ideas are inspiring and the networking is unmatched. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Five startups, including Appellate, pitching live on stage 

• A chance to connect with founders, community leaders and industry partners 

• Delicious food, drinks and plenty of opportunities to mingle 

• An evening that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of Howard County 

Pumpkin Pitch is more than an event, it’s a reminder of how innovation thrives when communities rally behind their entrepreneurs. 

Looking Ahead with Appellate 

As Appellate takes the stage at Pumpkin Pitch 2025, they’re not just competing for a prize. They’re sharing a vision of a fairer, smarter future for law enforcement towing. Their story reminds us why events like Pumpkin Pitch matter: they don’t just highlight businesses, they build ecosystems where startups can thrive. 

So, mark your calendar, grab your spot and join us on October 7 at the Maryland Innovation Center. Cheer on Appellate, connect with the community and see the bold ideas shaping the future.