GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
$25,000–$50,000 non-dilutive, awarded per competition event.
Rolling applications — no fixed deadline, apply when ready.
FUNDING TYPE
Pitch Competition
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
TechRise has hosted over 100 pitch competitions, meaning opportunities come up frequently throughout the year.
Founders are selected via application review and ecosystem referrals, so a warm referral may improve your chances. Each event awards capital live on stage, so only a small group of founders per competition wins.
WHAT IT TAKES
Submit a rolling application at techrise.co/apply — 30–60 minutes
If selected, complete pitch coaching and mentorship prep — Varies by competition
Pitch live in front of judges at the event — One event day
WORTH KNOWING
TechRise selects founders through both applications and ecosystem referrals, so getting a referral from someone in the Chicago tech community may meaningfully improve your shot at being selected.
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Black and Brown founders of any stage or industry can compete for up to $12,000 at this annual Iowa-based pitch competition.
Enthuse Foundation’s 8th Annual Pitch...
$15,000 cash grand prize (plus $120,000+ in-kind package); awarded once per year.
Women-founded food, beverage, or CPG startups based in the US with under $750K revenue can apply.
The Pitch by Deel
Up to $50K SAFE (regional) or up to $1M SAFE (global); annual competition cycle
Early-stage startups from any country can apply free to compete for a $50K or $1M SAFE investment.
$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.
Explore the funding database →
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