The global stage for startup founders

Any seed-stage startup with a minimum viable product (MVP) can apply. We’re looking for companies at the pre-seed or seed stage that have incorporated (we can help with that!) and are ready to scale.

Absolutely nothing. The Pitch is completely free to enter. No application fees, no participation fees, no hidden costs. We believe the best ideas should compete on merit, not on who can afford to pay.

You’ll compete for up to $1M in investment and receive unprecedented global exposure. Finalists get access to Deel's network of investors, mentors, and industry leaders, plus extensive media coverage and the chance to present at our flagship event.

The application is designed to be fast and founder-friendly. Most applicants complete it in under 5 minutes. We ask for essential information about your startup, your product, and your traction—nothing excessive.

We evaluate based on product strength, market opportunity, team capability, traction metrics, and scalability potential. Both AI analysis and human expert review ensure fair, comprehensive assessment of every application.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you advance to Golden Tier, you’ll be notified with next steps.

Yes. All stages of The Pitch require in-person participation.

Judges will be announced closer to each event.

Our structure is designed to be founder-friendly and complementary to traditional venture capital firms, which is why a16z, Ribbit, and others are comfortable partnering alongside us in this program.

The $50K investment conforms to YC standards and will be done via SAFE with a 20% discount to the next priced round and no valuation cap. If you are raising a round right now, we can also join the round. As part of entering The Pitch competition, you are required to take this investment, but our intention with such an investment is to support founders without taking large ownership stakes or competing with lead investors. Companies selected also receive access to our network, go-to-market support, ecosystem perks, and strategic introductions. As a corporation, Deel will require certain standard rights as it manages these investments (e.g. information rights), but our goal is to support you as much as you need/want.

All terms can be discussed at a later stage.

No, your live pitch moment will be on the stage on D-Day only. You need to apply via the application survey to briefly explain what your product is, the video format is not mandatory.

Qualified startups must deliver a 2-minute live presentation with supporting slides.

Yes. All events are conducted in English, and presentations must be delivered in English regardless of location.

Regional winners receive:

• $50,000 SAFE investment
• Travel and accommodation for the grand finale
• Additional partner and sponsor perks (to be announced)

Grand finale winners receive:

• $1,000,000 SAFE investment
• Networking and promotional opportunities
• All regional-level prizes and benefits

Yes. Grand finale winners receive both the $50,000 regional investment and the $1,000,000 grand prize.

Accommodation will be provided for participants traveling from out of the country for regional events. Flights are the responsibility of participants.

Accommodation is covered for regional winners. Flights are not included.

Applications close two weeks before each regional event. Regional dates:

• Dubai: April 6th
• Paris: April 13th
• Berlin: April 20th
• Tel Aviv: April 23rd
• London: April 28th
• New York: May 5th
• Singapore: May 13th

You don’t need to be incorporated at the time of applying, but you must be incorporated by the time of the competition.  We strongly recommend getting incorporated before you apply. It will make the process smoother and ensure you’re ready to move quickly if selected.