Applications are now open for the Pitch by Deel Startup Competition 2026, a global tournament designed for early-stage founders seeking investment and international exposure.
The initiative invites startups globally to present their ideas in a short live pitch format for a chance to secure funding and connect with leading investors.
The competition is structured as a multi-stage program that begins with online applications and culminates in regional pitch events held across major startup hubs. Selected startups will present their ideas before a panel of investors and industry experts.
Benefits of Participation
The competition provides investment opportunities for participating startups:
Regional winners
- Up to 100 startups selected from regional events will receive a $50,000 SAFE investment and move forward to the final round.
Global winners
- Ten finalists will compete at the global finale, where each winning startup can secure $1 million in investment to support expansion and product development.
In total, the tournament offers a funding pool of up to $15 million for participating startups across all stages of the program.
Beyond funding, applicants gain access to a global community of founders and investors, startup perks, and networking opportunities within Deel’s ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to startups at early growth stages, including pre-seed, seed, and Series A. Eligible companies must meet the following conditions:
- Have full-time founders
- Operate as a registered legal entity
- Build a product or service with strong scaling potential
- Be based in any country and operate in any industry sector
Startups should also demonstrate product strength, market opportunity, team capability, traction, and scalability, which are part of the evaluation criteria used by the judges.
How to Apply
Application into the Pitch by Deel Startup competition closes two weeks before each regional event, meaning founders should submit early to secure a spot in their preferred region.
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