Why your start-up should join a pitching competition

All participating start-ups are also winners in their own right, reports Tech in Asia

Even if you’re sitting on the most amazing product of all time, a successful start-up often requires a support system to push it forward: investors, partners, media and mentors. And what better place to get all of these than participating in pitching competitions? Pitching competitions offer a unique platform where start-ups stand to gain early exposure and attention from investors and the tech community.

Of course, bringing home the trophy is a bonus. But all participating start-ups are also winners in their own right. 

Raising capital for your start-up can be a time consuming nightmare. Instead of knocking door after door, attempting to get investors’ buy-in, why not try a pitching competition? You get the amazing opportunity to be put on stage, directly in front of investors. Not one, not two, but multiple investors will be tuning in to your short five minute pitch. Nail it and you might just walk away with multiple term sheets!

After their Arena win at Tech in Asia Jakarta 2015, Manila-based U-Hop has closed seed investments worth a total of $7.4 million and received more than 50 enquiries from venture capitalists till date. Exploride, one of our Bangalore Arena finalists, recently received a term sheet for a $1.5 million investment after being heard at our Bangalore conference. Tripadvisor’s recent investment in restaurant booking service Eatigo, first runner up at Tech in Asia Singapore 2015, brought their total amount raised post-Arena to $15.5 million.

Start-up or corporate, strategic relationships is one of the ingredients for any business’ success. The gathering of like-minded tech professionals at a pitch competition makes it an excellent avenue for every entrepreneur to build partnerships and their client base.


This is an excerpt from Tech in Asia. You can read the full article here