Open Pitch Competition
Enriching Startups to Improve The Future
Rewarding Those Who Make a Difference.
BoomStartup is cognizant to the massive and undeniable shifts in our global economy that have occurred over the past year. We are encouraged by the new wave of companies that are capitalizing upon new opportunities, and we support those who have persisted and pivoted or adapted to continue to make the world a better place. We want to celebrate these entrepreneurs and reward them for their efforts.
BoomStartup is excited to launch the inaugural 2021 Open Pitch Competition. This competition is designed to benefit startups, globally by amplifying their voice, awareness, and provide some bonus cash as well. There are seven categories that startups can enter for the pitch competition, and there’s a bonus category that the winner is selected by the general public.
Open to the public, the Pitch Competition submission opens on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, and closes February 17, 2021. See categories, rules, and FAQs to learn more about the program.
Apply NowPitch Competition Categories
We encourage any company striving who improve these important areas to apply to the open pitch competition.
IMPACT
Innovating to benefit the underserved or endangered. $1,000 prize.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Innovating to improve living, health, happiness. $1,000 prize.
PRODUCTIVITY
Innovating to enhance the future of work, post-pandemic. $1,000 prize.
FINANCIAL
Innovating to provide capital accessibility and management. $1,000 prize.
RURAL
Innovating to extend economic development into under resourced communities. $1,000 prize.
EDUCATION
Innovating to improve knowledge sharing relevant to today’s needs. $1,000 prize.
ENERGY
Innovating to reduce climate impact while creating efficiencies. $1,000 prize.
POPULAR VOTE
$500 awarded to the company that wins the public’s attention.
Jan 22
Competition opens.
Feb 17
All items completed and uploaded.
Feb 20
The finalists are announced.
Feb 24
Final Pitch Competition, open to the public.
Pitch Competition Details
- Who Should Enter the Competition
BoomStartup encourages every startup who is earning under $250K annually to enter into this competition who has their sights on making a difference in these important aspects to our world. This pitch competition is about pitching the company that creates the innovation; so the narrative should be more like speaking to an investor vs. a customer. For example, focus on how to sell your company or entity that is solving the big problem, instead of focusing upon the innovation itself.
- Pitch Submission Content
You are expected to share an investor oriented pitch deck (PDF format) that adheres to our 12 slide format. Additional slides can be added onto the deck as back up slides. The slides should contain all of the content needed for judges to understand the innovation, impact, and business model. We will not judge notes or comments. Slide design is important.
You will also need to submit an under 90-second demonstration video showing the innovation. You must complete the BoomStartup scorecard to be considered a competitor.
- Pitch Submission Process
To begin please complete the Step 1 form available at the bottom of this page. Then, you will be asked to register as an entrepreneur in the BoomStartup Open Accelerator.
Step 2 will be to access the Open Pitch Competition material and download the slide template and demo template to begin creating your materials. Once complete, upload this content into the course section to mark your entry complete.
Step 3 is to complete the BoomStartup scorecard assessment. All items must be completed prior to Midnight ET, on February 17, 2021. No exceptions.
- Pitch Competition Fees
This competition is free to enter. Entrants can ONLY enter in one category. We ask you to agree to our terms of service and privacy policy and consideration into the BoomStartup Accelerator program. The cost of the competition is being covered by our sponsors, so please show them your support.
- Submission Categories
BoomStartup will make a difference on companies who are making a difference in this world. This competition focus is around seven categories: Health and Wellness, Impact, Education, Energy, Financial, Rural, and Productivity. We encourage founders from diverse backgrounds to apply as well.
Although we do not know how many submissions we will receive for each category, we will rank and interview the top bracket to choose a winner. Each bracket winner will receive $1,000.00 USD. Out of the finalists, we will allow the audience to select their favorite submission, who will receive $500.00 USD.
The winners will be selected after presenting at the live, final pitch competition on February 24, 2021. The finalists will present a condensed, three minute business pitch of their choice, and also host a two-minute demo, totaling 5 minutes on stage. The judges will ask up to three questions total, and then make a selection of the winners in each category.
Companies can only apply for one category. It is wise to customize the pitch presentation and demo to emphasize the category influence that their company and innovation bestows.
- Judging Process
The judges will review the material submitted (the scorecard, pitch deck, demo video) and rank each submission against each other. Scoring is based upon professionalism, traction, viability, reach, and most importantly, innovation.
All submissions will be reviewed, the top entries for each category will be selected and announced by February 20, 2021.
The final pitch competition is open to the public and will be hosted on Monday, February 24, 2021.
- Final Pitch Competition
Join us on Monday, February 24, 2021 to listen to the determination of the winner in each category. The Final Pitch Competition will be hosted virtually. The top presenters in each category will give a three-minute pitch and a two-minute demo, totaling 5 minutes of presentation time. Our judges will then have the opportunity to ask the presenter up to three questions, and provide up to three minutes of Q&A. Response quality, personality, and precision will influence the final vote. During the competition the audience can vote for their fan favorite, which will be rewarded at the end of the event.