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Eligibility
Who should apply
The Pitch is open to startups typically at pre-Seed, Seed and Series A stages that meet the following criteria:
- Already have full-time founders
- Based in any country in the world
- From any industry
- Have a registered legal entity
- Building a product or service with scaling potential
Prizes
What you can win
Regional Winners: Each of the 100 regional champions receives $50,000 and advances to the Global Finale. Global Champions: 10 finalists compete for $1M each in SAFE funding. All winners gain exposure, media coverage, and access to Deel's global network of founders, investors, and partners.
Next steps
What happens after you apply
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by our AI-powered selection system and a panel of expert judges. Top-scoring founders will be notified of their Golden Tier status and invited to compete in regional finals. All applicants will receive updates on their application status via email.
FAQs
Who can apply to The Pitch?
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.
How much does it cost to apply?
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.
What happens if I make it to the Global Finale?
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.
How long does the application take?
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.
What criteria are used to evaluate applications?
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.
When will I hear back about my application?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you advance to Golden Tier, you’ll be notified with next steps.
Is in-person attendance required for the regional finals and grand finale?
Yes. All stages of The Pitch require in-person participation.
Who will judge the regional finals and grand finale?
Judges will be announced closer to each event.
What is the structure of the investment?
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.
Do I have to submit a 2-min pitch video to apply?
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.
What do selected startups need to prepare?
Qualified startups must deliver a 2-minute live presentation with supporting slides.
Do presentations need to be in English?
Yes. All events are conducted in English, and presentations must be delivered in English regardless of location.
What do regional winners receive?
Regional winners receive:
- $50,000 SAFE investment
- Travel and accommodation for the grand finale
- Additional partner and sponsor perks (to be announced)
What do grand finale winners receive?
Grand finale winners receive:
- $1,000,000 SAFE investment
- Networking and promotional opportunities
- All regional-level prizes and benefits
Do grand finale winners receive both investments?
Yes. Grand finale winners receive both the $50,000 regional investment and the $1,000,000 grand prize.
Are travel and accommodation covered for regional finals?
Accommodation will be provided for participants traveling from out of the country for regional events. Flights are the responsibility of participants.
Are travel and accommodation covered for the grand finale?
Accommodation is covered for regional winners. Flights are not included.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close two weeks before each regional event. Regional dates:
- Tel Aviv: March 23rd
- Dubai: April 6th
- Paris: April 13th
- Berlin: April 20th
- London: April 28th
- New York: May 5th
- Singapore: May 13th