SG Pitch Battle FAQs and Helpful Tips for Pitching

For the official SG Pitch Battle FAQ regarding the application process and other details, visit sgpitchbattle.com or click here.

How long do I have to pitch?

You have a two-minute window to pitch, with no slides or Q&A. Props or demos are permitted!

Do I need to have an MVP or product to enter?

Nope! You can be at the idea stage and still enter the competition.

Do I need to have a company to enter?

No company is required to enter! A startup in any style is welcome!

Do I need to have raised money to enter?

Not at all. Many startups haven’t raised anything when they pitch.

Can I enter if I just have an idea?

Most certainly! Just make sure that idea is very well flushed out, scalable, and can actually be produced. Pitching is not for an imagination session, but for founders who want an opportunity to actually see their idea come to life.

What if I don’t have a logo?

If you don’t have a logo, you can create a quick one in Canva for free. You can use just your company name and pick a cool font and color to showcase your startup. It doesn’t have to be final, but we do need something if you make it to the semi-finals and or finals.

What if I don’t have a pitch deck?

We’ll need to know a little bit about what you're pitching in this competition. If you don’t have a well prepared slide deck, you can make one in Canva for free or upload a word document or PDF going over your startup. Here’s a few questions that should generally be answered in a pitch deck:

  1. About Your Startup
    1. What is your startup?
    2. What industry is your startup?
  2. Problem and Solution
    1. What is the significant problem your product or service addresses? 
    2. How does your solution uniquely solve this problem better than existing options? 
  3. Market and Customer
    1. Who is your ideal customer (target market)? 
    2. What is the size and potential of the market you are targeting? 
  4. Business Model and Revenue
    1. How will you generate revenue? 
    2. What are your pricing strategies? 
  5. Competition
    1. Who are your main competitors? 
    2. What are your competitive advantages over them? 
  6. Team and Expertise
    1. Who is the team behind the company? 
    2. What relevant experience and expertise does the team have? 
  7. Financial Projections
    1. What is your revenue model?
    2. What is the financial outlook in your first, third, and fifth years? 
  8. Ask
    1. How much funding are you seeking? 
    2. What will you use the funds for?

If I win the competition, will Startup Grind cover my costs to attend Global?

Startup Grind will cover your admission to the global conference, along with a series of other prizes. You must arrange your own transportation and lodging.

What are the key application dates?

Applications open on December 2, 2024, and close the day before the event at 5:00pm (this deadline applies only for certain chapters).

When will I know if I’ve been selected?

Selected companies will be notified in early January 2025 ahead of the Chapter Battles.

Where can I find the application questions?

You can view all the application questions here.

Can I submit more than one application?

Founders should only submit one application per company.

What if I submitted my application incorrectly?

Don’t worry! Email our competition director at james.gee@startupgrind.com to reset your submission.