The application deadline for the first edition of Startup World Cup (SWC) in Portugal has been extended to August 15, giving more national startups with innovative solutions and global ambitions a chance to apply.
Part of the regional stage of the world’s “largest” startup pitch competition and conference, the event is held in more than 70 countries across six continents and features over 100 regional events each year.
It is an initiative of Pegasus Tech Ventures, a global venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley managing over $2 billion in assets, which supports emerging technology companies worldwide by providing both financial and intellectual capital.
The event in the Portuguese capital will take place at Unicorn Factory Lisboa on September 10 and 11 and will feature an exclusive conference with renowned speakers, thematic panels on investment and innovation, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.
A panel of judges will evaluate 50 pre-selected startups, including Teresa Fiúza, executive director at Banco Português de Fomento; Gil Azevedo, executive director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa; Cláudia Machado, head of strategic innovation at Grupo Brisa; and António Grilo, president of the National Innovation Agency (ANI).
After the pitches, delivered in English, the jury will select 15 finalists to compete for the national title. The winning startup will represent Portugal at the global grand final in San Francisco on October 16 and 17, where it will compete for a $1 million direct investment.
“Hosting Startup World Cup in Portugal is more than hosting the world’s largest startup competition – it is about putting Portuguese innovation and talent under the spotlight of the international innovation and investment ecosystem,” Rui Sales Rodrigues, executive director of Startup World Cup Portugal, was quoted as saying in a statement.
Applications can be submitted through the official application page, where all details and conditions are available.
Startup World Cup Portugal has INCM (Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda) as a platinum sponsor and is supported by Grupo Brisa, GALP, Antas da Cunha Ecija & Associados, DXC Technology, Lusíadas Saúde, Sogrape, Fidelidade, and C.Santos VP Mercedes-Benz.
The competition is also supported by the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal (AMCHAM), the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), the Embassy of the United States of America in Portugal, the National Innovation Agency (ANI), Startup Madeira, Startup Leiria, Lispolis, Jornal ECO, 3cket, and Blank. Unicorn Factory and GMC (Global Management Challenge) serve as event partners.
Featured image: From left to right: Manuel Teixeira Magalhães (Director, Commercial & Partnerships), Nuno Cepêda (Director, Marketing & Communications), Sónia Magalhães (Director, Innovation & Ecosystem) and Rui Sales Rodrigues (Executive Director) – Photo courtesy of Startup World Cup Portugal
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