TechCircle’s Pitch2Win initiative serves as a catalyst for connecting visionary founders with potential investors, nurturing growth, collaboration, and investment prospects within Nigeria’s dynamic startup ecosystem.

With a prize pot of $20,000, the competition aims to empower early-stage technology-enabled startups, providing them with a platform to showcase their innovations and secure vital funding.

Moreover, the top three finalists will embark on an all-expense-paid journey to the IVS2024 Kyoto Event, Japan’s premier startup conference, offering unparalleled networking opportunities on a global scale.

Who Can Apply

Visionary Innovators: Individuals with a keen eye for innovation, dedicated to creating solutions tailored for the Nigerian market.
Early-stage Startups: Enterprises at the inception of their journey, armed with a market-ready product or prototype, with traction serving as an added advantage.
Geographical Availability: Applicants must be able to attend the physical pitch event in Lagos, Nigeria on June 12, 2024, as well as the IVS Event in Kyoto, Japan on July 4-6, 2024.

Entrepreneurs hailing from diverse sectors and geographical backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the following eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

Early-stage: Applicants should possess a validated business model and be in the nascent stages of development and expansion.
Ownership: The majority ownership of the business must lie with its founders and team members at the time of application, with the applicant being an integral part of the founding team. Sole proprietorships are ineligible for the Pitch competition.
Legal Entry Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old on the day of the application deadline (May 5, 2024).
Time Commitment: A commitment to a week-long training session is mandatory, with in-person attendance required for the Pitch Event.
Sole Authorship: The applicant should be the sole author of the application, with multiple submissions leading to disqualification.

Benefits

The top three winners stand to gain:

Funding Support and Exposure

$10,000 Equity-free Cash Prize: The winner receives a substantial cash injection to fuel their startup’s growth trajectory.
Sponsored Trip to Japan: An all-expense-paid trip to attend the IVS events 2024 in Kyoto, offering invaluable networking opportunities on a global stage.
Access to Mentorship: Connect with experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, gaining invaluable insights and guidance throughout the program and at IVS events.

Human Capital Support

Mentorship and Advisory Services: The top 10 participants gain access to mentorship, advisory services, and potential investor connections, fostering holistic growth and development.
Networking Opportunities: Forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation.
Strategic Connections: Engage with a curated network of investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs, unlocking new avenues for collaboration and growth.