A hand-picked list of the 25 top startup pitch competitions of 2025

For many startup entrepreneurs, pitching competitions are both exhilarating and daunting—much like skydiving. In fact, these competitions can be crucial for your business to achieve its goals.

Why You Should Participate

Participating in a startup pitch competition offers numerous benefits:

• Investor Access: You'll present your idea to multiple investors.
• Visibility: Gain valuable exposure for your business.
• Feedback: Receive constructive feedback that can help refine your strategy.
• Networking: Build connections and potentially forge new partnerships.
• Funding: Most importantly, you could secure the funding needed to accelerate your business growth.
• Choosing the Right Competition

To simplify your search, we've compiled a list of top startup pitch competitions happening this year. Research each one to find the best fit for your startup idea or business. Always check the entry qualifications and prepare a compelling pitch deck—remember to keep text concise and visuals clean, avoiding overly busy designs.

Delivering a Winning Pitch

When it's your turn to present, be direct and impactful. Unlike skydiving where you deploy a parachute to slow down, in a pitch, you need to "open your parachute" immediately. You typically have only a few minutes to impress your audience, so get straight to the point with simple, engaging language. Show your passion for your brand, and you'll likely inspire the same enthusiasm in the judges. See you on stage!