Yes, everything is completely free to ensure no barriers to entry for the brightest minds.

No, your startup does not need to incorporate AI if you are solving a customer problem and delivering value without it. However, we do have a separate category specifically for AI projects.

If a significant aspect of your project involves an AI model that you have developed and trained, please check the "Using my own AI model" box during registration. You do not need a proven business model or revenue to apply if you have created a unique AI model that addresses a significant issue.

To facilitate a quick application process, we only require a website and a pitch deck typically prepared for investors. Founders are encouraged to include as much information as possible in the pitch deck to give judges a comprehensive understanding of the startup's strengths. We recommend addressing the following topics in your presentation:
- Problem
- Solution
- Product
- Technology
- Market Size
- Business Model
- Competitors
- Marketing and Sales/Go-to-Market Plan
- Traction
- Financial Model
- Team
- Media Mentions

We welcome startups at various stages, from early-stage to growth-phase companies. However, applicants should have a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype. There are no industry restrictions, but your startup should demonstrate innovation and growth potential.

Yes, if your project excels among all participants in multiple categories, you can win in more than one category.

Our comprehensive scoring system evaluates startups based on various criteria, including: innovation, market potential, team strength, traction. Each startup receives a detailed score along with a risk assessment. This system helps investors filter and identify startups that align with their specific investment criteria.

Startups benefit from receiving a detailed score and feedback that highlights their strengths and areas for improvement. This scoring not only aids in self-assessment and business development but also enhances their visibility among a targeted group of potential investors who use these scores to identify promising investment opportunities.

Investors can leverage the scoring system to efficiently filter and identify startups meeting specific investment profiles, assess potential investment risks through the included risk scoring, and make more informed and strategic investment decisions. This system streamlines the process of finding and evaluating potential investment opportunities.

Yes, attendance at the in-person final event is mandatory for all finalists. This allows startups to present their pitches directly to the judges and engage in valuable networking opportunities. If a finalist is unable to attend, they will forfeit their chance to compete for the award. We believe that the in-person interaction is crucial for showcasing your startup and making meaningful connections within the industry.

The award process begins with an online review of applications and presentations. We then select the top 12 startups and invite them to present at the in-person final before a panel of judges. During this final pitch session, the judges will select 4 winners across the following categories: Product, Traction, Team, and AI Model. Please note that participation in the final is exclusively in person.

The final is a private event, open only to the 12 finalists, judges, and members of The Ventures community. However, we may extend invitations to a select few startups that were close to making the finals but did not qualify.

Yes, all finalists receive feedback from our judges. We also offer networking opportunities and potential connections with investors or mentors, even if you don't win in your category.

In addition to the prestige of winning, winners receive unparalleled access to a network of industry leaders, personalized feedback, and prominent visibility at one of our high-profile events.

While we don't offer a cash prize, winners receive valuable non-monetary benefits including  investor introductions, mentorship opportunities, media exposure, and access to exclusive networking events. These can often prove more valuable than a one-time cash award in the long run.

Our award emphasizes the creation of lasting connections and provides detailed feedback along with individual scores. Our goal is to foster a supportive environment that genuinely prepares startups for future challenges.

Our judges are carefully chosen from a diverse pool of prominent investors, industry experts and successful entrepreneurs. We ensure a balanced panel with expertise across various sectors to provide fair and comprehensive evaluations.