Join the world’s biggest startup competition and get the chance to win 1 million dollars in the grand finale in San Francisco.
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Startup World Cup (SWC), powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, is the largest international startup competition, present in over 70 countries across all continents. For the first time in Portugal, the event will take place on September 10–11, 2025, at the Unicorn Factory in Lisbon, bringing together 50 pre-selected national startups.
These startups will pitch in English before an international jury, with presentations lasting 3 to 5 minutes. In the end, 15 finalists will be chosen to compete for a spot in the Grand Finale in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, on October 16–17, where a prize of 1 million dollars in direct investment will be at stake.
Headquartered in Silicon Valley with over 2 billion dollars in assets under management, Pegasus is a global venture capital firm supporting tech startups worldwide.
Through its innovative Venture Capital-as-a-Service (VCaaS) model, Pegasus fosters partnerships between major corporations and disruptive startups. Among its 35+ partners are organizations such as ASUS, Aisin, SEGA, Sojitz, and NGK Spark Plugs.
This is your chance to show the world the strength of your innovation! Present your startup to investors, entrepreneurs, and major players in the global ecosystem. Let your ideas shine on an international stage.
Connect with venture capitalists, industry leaders, and potential partners who can help turn your vision into reality. These are the connections that truly matter — now and in the future.
With coverage from journalists and specialized media outlets, your startup could be the next big headline. Take the spotlight and build your public presence.
The winner of the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley takes home a 1 million dollar investment prize. More than just capital, it’s the launchpad that can take your startup to the next level.
Gain valuable insights and practical advice from top figures in the startup world. From scaling your business to entering new markets — this is the place to learn from those who’ve made it happen.
Be the voice of Portuguese innovation in the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley. Compete side by side with visionary startups from around the world and show what we’re made of!
Meet other entrepreneurs, accelerators, and organizations eager to make a difference. Strategic partnerships could be the boost you need to reach your next big milestone.
Startup World Cup Portugal is looking for ambitious and innovative startups with disruptive solutions in areas such as:
• Technology (with a special focus on Artificial Intelligence).
• Health and Biotechnology.
• Energy and Sustainability.
• Education.
• Fintech & Insurtech.
• Entertainment, Media & Creativity.
Startups must demonstrate:
• Potential for accelerated growth.
• A structured business plan.
• A well-defined target market.
• A team capable of taking the solution to the next level.
• Early-stage startup? A chance to make your first big leap.
• Growth-stage startup? A chance to scale globally.
• Your startup must be a legally registered entity. Individual or unregistered projects are not eligible.
• Startups from any field and at any stage are welcome to apply.
You must submit a presentation that highlights:
• Your business vision
• The business model
• Market potential
• Your team
• Traction already achieved
Your startup must have:
• An MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
• At least 3 months of proven market traction.
• Product-market fit.
Applicants must be ready to pitch in front of a panel of investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem experts. The pitch must be:
• In English.
• Clear.
• Objective.
• Persuasive.
• A unique opportunity to showcase your project to seasoned investors and capture the attention of those who can shape the future of your company.
• The top 15 participants in each category will be selected for the semifinals. At this stage, each startup will have 5 minutes for the pitch and 4 minutes for Q&A.
• The winner of the regional final will represent Portugal at the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley – USA, alongside the most promising startups in the world.
BUILDING BRIDGES TOGETHER THROUGH INNOVATION
Get ready for two days of networking, innovative ideas, and unique opportunities for startups, investors, organizations, industry leaders, and other key ecosystem players.
Startup World Cup Portugal, in partnership with Unicorn Factory Lisboa, invites you to take part in a dynamic program featuring inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, expert panels with international speakers, and of course, the much-anticipated pitches from the finalist startups.
This international gathering aims to build bridges between entrepreneurs and major companies, promoting innovation as a collaborative and sustainable effort.
Dedicated to the business world, the day will feature discussion panels, talks by international speakers, and key figures in innovation and technology in Portugal.
The 50 selected startups will present their projects to the jury. The 15 finalists will take part in the final pitch battle. Throughout the day, there will be multiple moments for knowledge sharing, networking, and matchmaking with investors and strategic partners. The day concludes with an exclusive dinner bringing together finalist startups, sponsors, partners, and institutional guests.
