With popular TV shows like HBO’s Silicon Valley and documentaries like Startupland filling the airwaves, startup is the buzz word on everyone’s lips. And with an increasing number of startup scenes thriving in cities across the nation, the buzz is more than just hype. That’s what Steve Case, former CEO and co-founder of AOL, is now on a mission to highlight with his new campaign, Rise of the Rest.

Rise of the Rest is a road trip with an entrepreneurial cause. Centered around the idea of promoting startups beyond Silicon Valley, Rise of the Rest aims to help cities located between the two coasts raise capital and attract investors.

From June 24^th-27^th , Case will make four stops in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Nashville, to chat with local entrepreneurs and host pitch competitions. The winner in each city will receive $100,000 from Steve Case as an angel investment in their company.

As a long time supporter of startups, Case is no stranger to providing venture capital. Through his role as chairman and CEO of Revolution, a Washington D.C. based investment firm, Case has been bolstering new business ventures since 2005, backing more than 30 companies to date. In his most recent efforts, he has partnered with Startup Weekend, the 3 day long pitching and networking event, to form Up Global, an umbrella company unifying Startup Weekend with other startup tools and programs. Revolution and UP Global, along with Google for Entrepreneurs, will be presenting the Rise of the Rest event.

So what can you expect from Case’s Pittsburgh visit on June 25th? First, stop by our very own AlphaLab Gear where we will be hosting a “fireside chat” with Steve Case and a guest. The talk will focus on the unique Pittsburgh entrepreneurial ecosystem. Following the chat, stay for the most rewarding event of the day, the Pitch Competition. Once the winning pitch has been chosen, head to Thrill Mill to celebrate with a networking happy hour.

Visit Rise of the Rest to get in on the action and RSVP. Be sure to follow AlphaLab, AlphaLab Gear and Innovation Works on Twitter and Facebook for updates about the event and to share your opinion.