apply for startup pitching powered by estban

Hannah Brown • Jul 08, 2021 • 3 min read

At least one e-⁠resident-founded startup guaranteed in the top 40 and the chance to pitch at sTARTUp Day. Applications open until 1 August.

Applications open for sTARTUp Pitching powered by EstBAN until 1 August

sTARTUp Day is fast approaching!

The iconic Estonian business festival, which brings together startups, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and students in the gorgeous university town of Tartu, will take place online and in-person over 3 days from 25 to 27 August 2021. The aim of the event is to connect like-minded people and celebrate startups and entrepreneurship.

Tickets for the event are on sale at the sTARTUp Day website.

Why attend?

First and foremost, to get inspired by a packed stage program of expert speakers, motivational coaches, and startup gurus. Second, to be wowed in the Demo area by innovative new products, like-minded entrepreneurs, and surprising opportunities. Third, to network with the cream of a globally-minded community of startup founders, investors, and business partners in the dedicated networking hub, at side-events, online, and at the festival’s famous parties.

Read this recap from the 2020 addition of sTARTUp Day and hear from e-residents Oliver and Alexander why you should attend this year!

Last but definitely not least, sTARTUp Day provides the opportunity to pitch your own startup for a chance to receive cash investments, coaching, and other prizes via the sTARTUp Pitching Powered by EstBAN competition.

sTARTUp Pitching Powered by ESTBAN

Applications for sTARTUp Pitching Powered by EstBAN are open until 1 August.

This year, there is an added incentive for e-⁠resident startup founders to apply. For the first time, to demonstrate the power of e-⁠Residency to the world, at least one startup with an e-⁠resident in their team will be shortlisted in the top 40 of the competition.

Applying is free, so e-⁠resident startup founders really have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

This year, the prize pool is worth over €600,000, including three syndicate investments, and comes with the prestige of pitching to the festival’s 4000 attendees from all over the world, including potential investors, clients, partners and international media.

The prizes on offer include:

Two investments of up to €200k from EstBAN-led syndicate
Up to €150k syndicate investment from .Cocoon Ventures
€10k equity-free cash from Swedbank
€5k worth of legal counseling from Sorainen
€10k AWS service credits from Cloudvisor
S2B Work Space for 3 months
Prize package worth $30k from Founderly
Mentoring sessions from Elisa
… and more

Who should apply?

sTARTUp Day judges are looking for early-stage to scale-ready startups who are looking to raise funds. Preferred applicants have a strong mission and a scalable business model. Your startup should have a functioning product with traction/feedback, a strong team, and be ready for an investment.

All teams will have three minutes to pitch and two minutes for questions from the judges. The top 40 startups will receive pitch training during the month of August before they compete and a free ticket to sTARTUp Day. All rounds can also be successfully completed online, so don't worry if you're unable to travel to Tartu.