Startup Avalanche
An ice-breaking competition for startups that speak business
September 22-23, 2020
Event Info
Powered by Techsylvania in partnership with Risky Business, Startup Avalanche is a launching platform connecting ambitious early-stage startups with experienced international VCs and investors.
Startup Avalanche is not just another pitching competition. Hundreds of startups from all around the world apply every year, yet less than 16 are accepted in the program.
Our credo is “show, don’t (just) tell”. Whether it’s AI, SaaS, IoT, Medtech/ e-health, Agritech, Ecotech, security, VR, legal tech, logistics or an emerging vertical, the rules are simple: it has to prove traction, scalability, value.
1:1 Meetings with Top Investors
Mimimum 3 meetings guranteed for each startups that is accepted into the program.
Pitch training
Investment consultancy
Exclusive access to investors & VCs
Benefit from the networking room to acquire feedback from upcoming business partners.
Reach an audience of 4000+ attendees
Get in the spotlight of our dedicated stage, accessible to all our conference attendees.
Unexpected opportunities
International media exposure, access to acceleration programs, new business and partnerships.
Mentoring
Product, Strategy, and Business Model support from experienced tech experts and investors per your needs.
Curious to find out more?
Validate your assumptions by watching the Startup Avalanche 2019 finalists:
Competition Timeline
September 6th
Deadline for applications
September 10-14
Pitching & investment support
September 15-21
Pitching rehearsal
September 22-23
Startup Avalanche is on!
Want to attend all the sessions?
How to win
“Be brave, be bold and work hard for the perfect pitch,” says Jennifer Austin. The Risky Business team she leads selects the best of the best and supports them through the toughest training sessions.
Day 1
Startup Avalanche Stage
The top 15 startups that apply get the chance to present on the Startup Avalanche Stage in front of dozens of potential investors from around the world, partners, as well as Techsylvania speakers and other VIPs.
Presentation structure
- Pitch – 4 minutes
- Live demo – 2 minutes
- Q&A – 4 minutes
Day 2
Main Techsylvania Stage
The 5 finalists will go on a live battle in front of over 4.000 attendees on the main stage of Techsylvania for the grand prize.
Presentation structure
- Pitch – 4 minutes
- Live demo – 2 minutes
- Q&A – 2 minutes
Their impressions
TroopTravel
Avalanche 2018 winners
Little Data
Winners from
previous editions
Planable
BrainyAnt
Troop Travel
Rules & FAQ
Do I meet the eligibility criteria to apply?
The teams that are selected to pitch at the event can be from anywhere in the world, from any industry, if they meet all the criteria below:
- Launched and validated products, with real customers or users by the time of competition
- Scalable
- Company valuation target: $500K – $5M
- Currently fundraising
- Great pitch
- Functional live demo
- One team can only apply with one startup
How does the investment work?
We try to keep things simple. The investment is a convertible note. What means is that the valuation of your startup is decided by either the other investors in the round or your next round. Convertible notes are a standard type of investment structure for early-stage startups. You can read more about convertible notes here.
The €75,000 investment is unconditional and upfront. The Techsylvania and Risky Business team will be on hand to make sure the trigger is fair and supports your growth as a startup.
But the winning team has more than cash to look forward to. Besides some well-connected, sharp angels you’ll also get ongoing support when you need it from Techsylvania and Risky Business. Whether you need help connecting to a fund in the USA, Europe, or Asia, or you need some help on your product and strategy, we’ll be with you.
How does the application process look like?
The teams that are selected to pitch at the event can be from anywhere in the world, from any industry, if they meet all the criteria below:
- Launched and validated products, with real customers or users by the time of competition
- Scalable
- Company valuation target: $500K – $5M
- Currently fundraising
- Great pitch
- Functional live demo
- One team can only apply with one startup
What are the participation costs?
There is no fee for applying
Every team accepted for the competition is granted VIP tickets for the 2-day event
How about the Privacy Policy?
Publicity
Participation in the competition means that you agree to have your startup presentation evaluated publicly.
You agree that Startup Avalanche and its partners can use your name, likeness, and the information provided in the competition to promote your product and this competition, in print and electronic communication means.
You agree that the videos and photos taken during the event and associated activities (preparation, networking events, etc) can be used by Techsylvania and Risky Business for promotional activity.
Disclosure
The written application to participate in Startup Avalanche will be read by a team of evaluators who have been asked to keep the contents of the application confidential, however, no formal guarantee of confidentiality will be provided or implied.
Confidentiality
By the submission of your application, you understand and agree that a short description of your startup will be considered a “public summary” and may be used in public documentation related to the competition.
Startup Avalanche will provide a copy of your business description to competition staff and judges and will inform them that no additional copies are to be made.
Startup Avalanche will have no responsibility to protect the intellectual property rights of each contestant. Protection of such rights is the responsibility of each applicant.
All participants must provide information on their development during and after the competition when requested by Startup Avalanche – e.g. submit surveys, testimonials, interviews, etc.