Since 1987 SXSW has been a destination for international investors and industry leaders on the lookout for the next big thing. Taking their business from the shark tank to the heart of Texas, surrounded by some of the best BBQ in the country - pitching your startup has never tasted so good.
The SXSW Pitch Competition continues to be one of the most impressive culminations of skill, creativity and ingenuity brought together on one stage. March 9-10, 2024 SXSW will feature 40 interactive technology companies from 8 different categories, to pitch their industry game-changer in front of a panel of judges and audience of event attendees. While participants compete for funding options with investors, media exposure, coaching by industry experts; registrants can catch a glimpse of the future in tech and innovation unfold in front of their eyes.
WHY APPLY
Opportunity for product validation and funding options with investors.
Take advantage of media exposure during the SXSW event.
Polish your elevator pitch with pre-event coaching by industry experts.
Sharpen your skills and gain lasting connections while doing it.
Read more about What Makes A Good Startup Pitch.
DATA
Of the 572 companies that participated in SXSW Pitch between 2009 and 2020, over 82% received funding, with combined funding over almost $14.5 billion (does not include undisclosed grants, angel and seed funding). Of these 572 companies, 17% have been acquired by Google, British Telecom, Huffington Post, Apple, Live Nation, OpenTable, Constant Contact, and Harmon. Some of our prestigious alums you may know include Klout, ICON, Hipmunk, Wildfire, Tubemogul, Siri, Foodspotting, and Tango.
For more inspiration, explore the SXSW Pitch Archive to browse winners, finalists, and other participants from previous seasons.
ELIGIBILITY
The company's product and / or service must have been conceived no earlier than March 11, 2021. Each company may only enter one product or service to SXSW Pitch.
A company that enters more than one product or service will not be eligible to participate in SXSW Pitch.
Each applicant is only eligible to present in one of the SXSW family of startup innovation events (SXSW Pitch, SXSW Innovation Awards, or SXSWEDU Launch). If you would like to apply for SXSW Pitch and Innovative Awards, please note you will only be eligible to participate in one.
Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership in the company.
The company must not have raised over eight (8) Million Dollars in funding from combined funding sources.
The product or service must fall into one of the SXSW Pitch categories.
For questions about eligibility and the selection process, read the FAQ before you begin your application to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
APPLY NOW
Think your Startup has what it takes? Do you happen to be available March 9-10, 2024? Does your team have a pension for breakfast tacos? You belong at the SXSW Pitch 2024. – apply early to save on applications fees!
Application Deadlines:
Early Deadline: September 11, 2022
Final Deadline: November 13, 2022
All deadlines end at 11:59pm PT.
Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stay in the SX know throughout the season.
2023 SXSW Pitch – Photo by Miguel Esparza
The post How to Become the Next Big Thing – Apply to SXSW Pitch 2024 appeared first on SXSW.
