Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 3/1/2027
In short
Startup World Cup is a global startup competition offering a $1,000,000 investment prize to the winning startup and a $100,000 cash prize for a separate Dance Challenge, open to startups worldwide.
Startup World Cup
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 3/1/2027212 days left
$1 Million
Investment Prize for World Champion
100+
Regional Competitions
50,000+
Attendees
2,500+
Investors
500+
Speakers
$100,000
Dance Challenge Prize
Overview
Startup World Cup is a prominent global conference and competition orchestrated by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based VC firm. Its core mission is to empower the next generation of leading entrepreneurs by offering significant funding and strategic support. The competition hosts over 100 regional events across six continents, providing a platform for startups to gain exposure, network with investors and corporations, and explore new markets. The initiative extends beyond mere funding, aiming to build a bridging ecosystem that connects startups with investors, large corporations, government organizations, media, and educational bodies. Pegasus Tech Ventures assists startups through strategic synergies and partnerships, fostering organic business growth and market entry opportunities. Past participants have developed innovations across various sectors including healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, mobility, financial technologies, IoT, augmented reality, and cleantech. In addition to the main startup competition, Startup World Cup also hosts a separate 'Dance Challenge' designed to foster a global movement of energetic and talented individuals. This challenge encourages creativity, team building, and supports social causes, offering a cash prize to the winning dance team. The overall event serves as a crucial hub for networking and collaboration, attracting over 50,000 attendees, 2,500 investors, and 500 speakers. It provides invaluable opportunities for startups to connect with top-tier investors and develop corporate partnerships, while corporations can discover innovative startups and investors can expand their deal pipelines.
What to build
Participants in the main Startup World Cup competition must present their existing legal entity/startup. The Dance Challenge requires participants to create and submit a short-form video of a dance performance using a provided soundtrack or their own remix, incorporating Startup World Cup branding.
Prizes
Startup World Champion
Prize in investment, either in exchange for a portion of equity related to the most recent round of funding or a convertible note. Also includes global media exposure.
US $1,000,000
Regional Winners
Free event tickets to attend the Networking Party and Grand Finale in Silicon Valley. Flights may be provided by regional partners or local sponsors, but Startup World Cup does not cover flight tickets.
Not specified
Dance Challenge Winner
Cash prize for the winning dance team.
$100,000 USD
Key dates
- Philippines Regional EventOctober 15, 2025
- Bulgaria Regional EventOctober 18, 2025
- Dance Challenge Submission DeadlineAugust 1, 2026, 9 PM PST
- Dance Challenge Winner AnnouncementOctober 15, 2026
- Grand Finale CompetitionNovember 4-6, 2026
Eligibility
For the main Startup World Cup competition, startups in any domain and at any stage are encouraged to apply. The startup must be a legal, registered entity (not just an idea or individual project). There are no restrictions on the amount of capital raised. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. For the Dance Challenge, participants must be at least 13 years old. Participants under 18 must obtain verifiable parental or guardian consent. Dance teams must consist of 3 or more members. Applications are accepted regardless of location. Startups can apply to more than one regional competition, as long as they are not already a regional champion.
How to enter
- For the main competition, complete the online application form in English, developing answers offline first for text fields and then copying and pasting. Submit the application by clicking 'Submit' at the end.
- Share your application status on social media (X, formerly Twitter) using the template: "Our team just applied to @SWCPTV #StartupWorldCup #[YourCompanyName]".
- For the Dance Challenge, film your dance with your dance group using the provided soundtrack or your own remix.
- Post your dance video on social media platforms (LinkedIn, X, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook, Douyin, or your platform of choice) and use both hashtags: #SWCDanceChallenge & #StartupWorldCup.
- Submit a public video link via the Dance Challenge application form. Ensure all links are set to 'PUBLIC' for viewing and judging.
- For Dance Challenge, if you are between 13-17, download and obtain verifiable parental or guardian consent form prior to submitting your video.
Submission requirements
- Main Competition: Application must be completed in English.
- Main Competition: Startup must be a legal, registered entity.
- Dance Challenge: Applications must be submitted in English.
- Dance Challenge: Dance teams must consist of 3 or more members.
- Dance Challenge: All participants must be at least 13 years old.
- Dance Challenge: Participants under 18 must obtain verifiable parental or guardian consent.
- Dance Challenge: Video submissions must be public links from platforms like LinkedIn, X, Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook, Douyin, or YouTube.
- Dance Challenge: Short-form videos (TikTok, Reels, etc.) up to 30 seconds; Long-form videos (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) maximum 1 minute.
- Dance Challenge: Video must use the provided soundtrack or a remix.
- Dance Challenge: Videos must include #SWCDanceChallenge and #StartupWorldCup hashtags.
- Dance Challenge: An optional video can be submitted to help the application review committee understand the company better, but it does not necessarily increase selection chances.
- All Competitions: Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Judging criteria
- Main Competition: Evaluated by an application review committee consisting of representatives from VCs, incubators, and angel investors.
- Dance Challenge: Submissions will be evaluated based on Creativity.
- Dance Challenge: Submissions will be evaluated based on Use of Startup World Cup branding.
- Dance Challenge: Submissions will be evaluated based on Group size (larger teams have a higher chance).
- Dance Challenge: Submissions will be evaluated based on Overall impact and engagement.
Sponsors & partners
Pegasus Tech VenturesTechCrunchMicrosoftGoogleIBMJ.P. Morgan ChaseGoldman SachsAmazon Web ServicesDeloitteCiscoEYMorgan StanleyOraclePwCAXARakutenL'OréalUnited AirlinesTurkish AirlinesRed BullVerizonStripeJohnson & JohnsonLogitechMoFo
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
How can a startup pitch at the Grand Finale?
+
Startup World Cup will host 100+ regional events. Each regional winner will compete in Silicon Valley for the final competition in San Francisco on November 4-6, 2026 at Hilton Union Square, San Francisco.
What will the regional winning startups receive?
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Startup World Cup will provide free event tickets to attend the Networking Party and Grand Finale for the winning startup from each regional event. Flights may be provided by regional partners or local sponsors, but Startup World Cup does not cover flight tickets to the Grand Finale.
What does the world champion get for winning the final competition?
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The winner of the Grand Finale will receive a US $1,000,000 prize in investment, either in exchange for equity or a convertible note, depending on the company's size and funding. They will also receive global exposure through media recognition.
How many startups will be selected at each regional event?
+
It will vary, but most regional competitions will feature the top 10-20 startups among the applicants.
How long will each startup pitch for?
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Each startup will be allocated 4 minutes to pitch, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A from the judging panel at the Grand Finale.
When will the regional finalists be announced?
+
Please check the regional pages for competition schedules. Only regional finalists will be contacted.
Will submitting the optional video increase my chance of being selected?
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The optional video helps the application review committee understand the company better, especially if difficult to explain in slides. It does not necessarily increase selection chances.
What type of startups can apply?
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Startups in any domain and at any stage are encouraged to apply. The startup must be a legal entity, not just an idea.
There is no regional competition in my country, can I still participate?
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Yes, applications are accepted regardless of your location. You are encouraged to apply to the closest regional competition.
Do you have any sample application slides?
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Yes, a pitch deck template is available.
Is it a requirement to tweet after I submit my application?
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It is encouraged to increase exposure and reach by sharing that you applied via social media (LinkedIn, X, Instagram) using the provided template.
We have already raised some capital, are there any restrictions for applying?
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There are no restrictions on the amount of capital raised; everyone is encouraged to apply.
Who will be evaluating my applications?
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The application review committee will consist of representatives from VCs, incubators, and angel investors.
Is there an application fee?
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No, there is no application fee. However, some regionals may have optional exhibition booths that can be purchased.
Can I apply to more than one regional?
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Startups can apply to more than one regional, as long as the startup is not a regional champion.
I am a regional finalist, will our travel costs be covered by Startup World Cup?
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No, Startup World Cup will not cover or reimburse any travel expenses.
I am a regional finalist, do I pitch both Day 1 and Day 2 of Startup World Cup Grand Finale?
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No, all finalists pitch on Day 1. If you make it to the final round on Day 1, you move on to pitch on the main stage for Day 2.
Dance Challenge: No monetary transactions involved; Startup World Cup will not cover any costs.
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No monetary transactions involved; Startup World Cup will not cover any costs.
Dance Challenge: By applying, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
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By applying, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Dance Challenge: Selected videos may be reshared on official Startup World Cup channels for event promotion. No compensation or partnership is implied by reposting. All participation remains voluntary.
+
Selected videos may be reshared on official Startup World Cup channels for event promotion. No compensation or partnership is implied by reposting. All participation remains voluntary.
Resources
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Grand Finale Page
- Pitch Deck Template
- Dance Challenge Consent Form (Ages 13-17)
- Dance Challenge Assets (music, logos, artwork, t-shirt designs, lyrics)
- Official Music Video & Tutorial: Startup World Cup Dance Challenge Sample Video (1/2)
- Official Music Video & Tutorial: Startup World Cup Dance Challenge Sample Video (2/2)
- Official Music Video & Tutorial: Startup World Cup Dance Challenge Dance Tutorial
- Official Music Video & Tutorial: Tik Tok Dance Group
- Dreams That Soar - Startup World Cup (Spotify)