TwentyTables is no longer an alternate in the speed pitch competition at SXSW 2019. The Washington, D.C.–based company will hit the big stage as a pitch finalist in the Hyper-Connected Communities category.

#SXSW2019 Update: BREAKING NEWS …

TwentyTables is NOW A FINALIST in the Hyper-Connected Communities category.

TwentyTables was first in line for the BIG SHOW if anyone dropped out and … BOOM … we got word today we're now in PRIME TIME!

Countdown to PITCH is on! #DCtech

— TwentyTables (@TwentyTables) February 10, 2019

TwentyTables was upgraded to a finalist in the 2019 SXSW pitch competition after a company dropped out, opening up a spot for the meal marketplace startup. Each of the 10 pitch categories has five finalists who will pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of judges on March 9 and 10 in Austin, Texas. Companies get eight minutes on stage, and 25 companies will pitch on each day.

After the two days of pitches and Q&A, the judging panel will choose a winner in each category that will be announced at the SXSW Pitch Award Ceremony on Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Each category will also recognize a Best in Show, Best Bootstrap Company and Best Speed Pitch. TwentyTables founder and CEO Alexander Cohen told Technical.ly that each of the 10 winners and the Best in Show company will receive $4,000 each. All competing companies are invited to additional events, including a “Meet the Finalists” session with venture capital firms.

Since 2009, 453 companies have pitched at SXSW and 71 percent of those gained funding, according to organizers. SXSW also reported that 16 percent of its pitch companies were acquired through 2018 for $5.43 billion.