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PitchUp is designed to heighten awareness of new or emerging businesses who are developing helpful, sustainable, or disruptive innovations. This competition provides the chance for inspiring founders to win cash and services, propelling their positive intentions into fruition.
The founders who participate in this competition learn how to collect and structure their business and innovation ideas into a business plan, a product demo video, and into a pitch presentation, which improves their overall public communications skills. PitchUp is considered a difficult competition, but well worth the efforts. On average, founders work on their entries for 20 hours to complete the required submission items. Yet, the support and instruction that founders receive from BoomStartup mentors during their process, in addition to accessing the training modules and videos, are extremely helpful and instrumental to not only compete well in the competition, but to also succeed in business settings.
PitchUp is an opportunity for founders to hone their messaging, connect with other entrepreneurs, and get to know our judges (many of whom are investors) in addition to the publicity rewarded to the finalists. The BoomStartup mentor community and open office hours are fantastic resources for direct involvement and support to founders who need a bit of guidance.
Startups – get ready for 2023! Sign up to be alerted when the categories are announced for the next PitchUp competition, then begin the application process. We hope to see your startup compete in this fantastic program
Each category winner will receive the following prizes:
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We encourage startups earning less than $250K annually and who have set their sights on making a difference in their area of focus to enter PitchUp. This competition is about pitching companies that create innovations, so the narrative of your pitch should be more like speaking to an investor, rather than a customer. For example, focus on your company and how it’s solving a big problem instead of trying to sell the innovation or widget itself.
We encourage founders from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Don’t be shy about entering the PitchUp competition if your startup isn’t earning revenue yet. Yes, we do ask about historical financials, but it is okay to say there is no revenue!
If you want to share your costs or investments to date, please do. We would like to see your financial projection for the next year or two, if possible. It can be as simple as Number of Units sold or Customers, multiplied by Sale Price (equalling revenue), then subtracting out Cost of Goods Sold, to estimate your company’s profitability. Contact us if you need additional help.
Step 1: Complete the application form.
Step 2: Access the PitchUp competition material and download the slide template and demo template to begin creating your pitch materials.
Step 3: Upload your pitch deck and 90-second video. Deadlines vary – check here for current PitchUp schedule.
PitchUp competitions are free to enter. Entrants can only apply to compete in ONE category. We ask you to agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. You will also be considered for the BoomStartup Accelerator program. The cost of the competition is covered by our sponsors, so please show them your support.
There are several competition categories that a startup can apply toward. You’ll want to customize your pitch presentation and demo to emphasize the influence this category has had on your company and innovation.
After reviewing all submissions, we will rank and interview the top contenders to compete in each category.
The Final Pitch Competition will be hosted virtually. Winners will be selected after presenting at the live, online competition on April 1, 2022. The finalists will present a condensed, three-minute business pitch and host a two-minute demo, for a total of 5 minutes on stage. Our judges will then have the opportunity to ask the presenter up to three questions, and presenters have up to three minutes for their response. Response quality, personality, and precision will influence the final vote.
Each category winner will receive $1,000.00 USD. Additional services and prices will be announced.
Yes, BoomStartup will be hosting open office hours so you can attend these live sessions and get feedback.
On April 14, 2022, PitchUp Three Finals showcased the top 21 companies who were vying to win one of the competition’s 7 categories. Watch the PitchUp Three final event here.
Over 240 startups applied for PitchUp Three, coming from 41 countries. The live event had over 300 viewers watch and support their favorite startups pitch in this final program.
On September 3, 2021, PitchUp Two Finals showcased the top 28 companies who were vying to win one of the competition’s 8 categories. Watch the PitchUp Two final event here.
Over 200 startups applied for PitchUp Two, coming from 20 countries. The live event had over 300 viewers watch and support their favorite startups pitch in this final program.
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