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Pitch your startup at a regional qualifier in Nigeria, Kenya or South Africa to compete for a $1,000,000 investment prize at the Grand Finale in San Francisco. One of the world's largest startup pitch competitions, open to any sector, with rolling application deadlines.
One of the world's largest startup pitch competitions hosted by Silicon Valley-based Pegasus Tech Ventures, featuring over 100 regional events across six continents, including qualifiers in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Startups compete in regional events to secure a spot at the Grand Finale in San Francisco, where more than 100 regional champions pitch for a US$1,000,000 investment grand prize.
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Sector-agnostic competition welcoming startups from around the globe, with rolling deadlines for regional qualifiers. Must apply through regional qualifier in your country.
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Startups pitch at regional qualifiers hosted in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Regional judges select winners based on pitch quality, market potential, and team capability. The top startup from each region earns a spot at the Grand Finale in San Francisco, where more than 100 regional champions compete for the $1,000,000 grand prize investment. The judges' criteria and exact scoring method are not published, but typically emphasise business model, market opportunity, and founder execution track record.
What reviewers look for
Deadlines are rolling for regional qualifiers. Check the Startup World Cup website for your country's qualifier dates and application windows, as these vary by region.
The sources do not state registration requirements. Typically, African startup competitions accept unregistered teams or pre-incorporation stage founders, but you should confirm with your regional qualifier.
Yes. The competition welcomes early-stage startups from any sector. You do not need to show profit or revenue, though evidence of traction (user numbers, customer interest, or partnerships) strengthens your pitch.
You secure a spot at the Grand Finale pitch event in San Francisco, where you compete against regional champions from around the world for the $1,000,000 investment prize.
Pegasus runs a separate Mentor Programme with experienced entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. You can request mentorship support through the official Startup World Cup website, though participation is not guaranteed for all entrants.
Guide written from the official programme page on 13 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
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