If you're starting a new business, take any opportunity you get to drive interest towards your offering. It includes investor pitch events and startup competitions.
For startup entrepreneurs, a startup pitching competition is an item on their bucket list they're eager to complete but unsure of how to proceed. However, these competitions can provide the edge to move the business in the direction you envision for the long term. Throughout these events, new business owners can pitch their idea/s to investors. It allows exposure to an investor's mind, and even if the pitch is unsuccessful, the constructive feedback will help you prepare better for the next pitch.
The question is - Which investor pitch events should you participate in? It will require diligent research to help identify the right platform for your growing business. Go through the entry qualifications and modify the pitch deck accordingly. Captivating, yet straightforward, is the mantra to follow; the investor needs to understand the product/services and develop a keen interest. Try to avoid unnecessary text, dialogues, or animations, and focus on highlighting USPs.
Here are some startup pitching competitions you should consider:
- EMERGE Startups Pitching Competition: The EMERGE Challenge is a pitching competition carried out online for startups in the early stages of development. It has raised as much as €250,000 through external funds and is a globally recognized platform for entrepreneurs. Winners of this competition get a €10,000 prize in cash.
- Extreme Tech Challenge: The global event is open to all startups working to build technologies addressing environmental or social challenges. The top three finalists are awarded a SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) note on reaching the final stage. The person who comes first gets $1,000,000 as a reward, the second finalist gets $250,000, and the third receives $100,000.
- South Summit Startup Competition: This competition is open to all innovative startups regardless of location or industry. Winners get free tickets and a chance to share their idea before an elite jury, large investors, and industry leaders. They also get a global stage and visibility for their idea.
- Arch Grants Startup Competition: This competition recognizes scalable, innovative startup businesses that create jobs by rewarding them with non-dilutive grants worth $50,000. It also gives them access to a network of resources as long as they base their businesses in St. Louis for a minimum of one year.
- SelectUSA Tech Startup Pitch Sessions: Startups in the tech industry can apply to this competition to pitch their business virtually before a panel of judges and attendees of the Investment Summit. This includes corporate investors, industry experts and venture capitalists.
- Hottest Remote Work Startup Contest: To be eligible for participation in this contest, your business needs to be under two years old and offer solutions for the remote work industry. Winners receive an investment prize of $25000.
- Inventures Startup Pitch Event: This startup competition is a great way to meet other entrepreneurs and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) looking for capital and business partners. It is a one-stop shot to discover investment opportunities and potential new successes.
- Unicorn Pitches Russia: This competition requires that you provide an innovative new solution. All the winners of Unicorn Pitches Russia get a chance to present at the Eastern Europe Unicorn Battle. After that, they can apply for the Unicorn Cup Finals.
- INSURY Startup Award: The only criteria to participate in this competition is that your business must have been started on 1st Jan 2017 or later. There is an application feed of €490, but you only need to pay that if you get nominated.
Also Read: Looking for Funding for Your Startup? Join These Top Startup Pitch Competitions
There is no shame in seeking partners who can help with the research and planning. There are many companies that understand the challenges faced by startups and entrepreneurs and help identify the investor pitch events that are right for your business. They can help achieve business goals by offering cost-effective technology solutions and consulting services.
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