Startup Competitions Around the World: Where to Pitch for Funding
Startup competitions reward the best idea or business plan pitched by individuals or teams, in cash or in kind. Several are known around the world.
AngelPad. A seed-stage accelerator program based in New York City and San Francisco. Since 2010 it has launched more than 150 companies. Every six months it selects about 15 teams from a massive pool of applicants, usually around 2,000.
TechCrunch Disrupt. A renowned startup competition that attracts participants from all over the U.S. Typically it is held twice a year in the U.S. and at different times across Europe and Asia, with a massive following worldwide.
Web Summit (Dublin). The summit hosts about 200 startups competing for a prize before a panel of expert judges. Its goal is to discover the innovative ideas startups are developing, and it is a chance to showcase them to the world.
SevenVentures Pitch Day (London, Berlin). The company holds multiple pitch days throughout the year, each at a different event and focused on a different sector. It opens the door for startups to reach a broader audience across Europe through the publicity the company provides.
LeWeb (Paris). One of the most popular and largest web and tech conferences globally, bringing startups, tech insiders, investors and media together under one roof.
Global Meetup 2021. A business retreat for up-and-coming small and medium enterprises. It lets startups come together in an unconventional environment, make deals with corporate individuals and investors, meet entrepreneurs from around the world, and compete for the Global Winner title.
Other startup competitions include Fundbox, First Round Capital, Jumpstart Foundry, Launch, TechStars and Seed Capital, all in the U.S.
When choosing, stick with competitions most directly relevant to your industry, and find a nearby one to reduce transport costs. Aiming for massive competitions with a broader reach can be tedious, and even if the reward is high, the chance of winning makes it a gamble. Perfect your pitch with all the necessary ingredients, but do not be excessive.