BLAXPO 2024 PITCH COMPETITION POWERED BY DMZ

The BLAXPO 2024 Pitch Competition, powered by DMZ, is your gateway to elevating your startup to the next level. If you're a Black tech founder with a game-changing idea and a functional MVP, this is your chance to shine. Imagine pitching your vision on the BLAXPO stage, where innovation meets community, and walking away with a $10,000 cash grant to fuel your growth. But that's not all—winners also get a shot at joining the DMZ Incubator program, with the potential to secure an additional $20,000 in funding. This competition is more than just a pitch—it's about amplifying Black excellence in tech.

Whether you're tackling a pressing problem with cutting-edge solutions or disrupting the market with innovative technology, the competition will assess your startup's product stage, scalability, market fit, and more, ensuring that the best of the best rise to the top.

If you're ready to take your startup from vision to reality, with the support of a community that understands your journey, then the BLAXPO Pitch Competition is where it’s at. Make your mark, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and turn your startup dreams into a reality.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Applications Open

    AUGUST 26, 2024

    The countdown begins! Ready to turn your big idea into reality? Start your journey by applying to the BLAXPO 2024 Pitch Competition.

  • APPLICATIONS CLOSE

    SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
    11:59PM EST

    Last call! Don’t miss out on your shot to pitch at BLAXPO 2024. Make sure your application is in by the deadline—this could be the start of something big.

  • Top 10 Finalists Notified

    SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

    You made the cut! If you're in the top 10, congrats—you're one step closer to pitching live at BLAXPO. Get ready to bring your A-game.

  • BOSS UP & PITCH AT BLAXPO

    NOVEMBER 1-2, 2024

    Game day! It’s all going down at BLAXPO. Join us for an unforgettable experience where ideas meet opportunity. Are you ready to pitch and take your startup to the next level?

Application Process

Online Application

Fill out the online form, providing concise yet comprehensive information about your startup. Ensure that all the relevant details about your startup are clearly articulated.

Pitch Deck Submission

Creating Your Pitch Deck: Design a pitch deck that is both informative and visually appealing.

  • Essential Elements: Include critical aspects of your business such as Problem and Solution, Market Analysis, Product/Service Overview, Business Model, Team, Financial Projections, Growth Strategy, Current Traction, Funding Needs, etc.

  • Content Tips: Ensure that your pitch deck is not overcrowded with information. Use clear, concise language and visuals to communicate your message effectively. Highlight your startup’s unique value proposition and how it addresses a gap or need in the market.

Eligibility

Black tech founders leading startups with a functional MVP, which innovatively addresses critical challenges in the market and are attending the BLAXPO conference. 

Selection Criteria

Companies participating will be evaluated based on the following areas, with each aspect contributing 20% of the overall assessment:

  • Product Stage: Assessing the current development phase of your product/service, focusing on its readiness and refinement.

  • Pathway to Scalability: Evaluating your strategy for growth and scalability, including plans for market expansion and adapting to increasing demand.

  • Founder-Market Fit: Analyzing the alignment between the founders' expertise, experience, and the market they are targeting. This includes how well the team understands and can navigate the market landscape.

  • Market Opportunity: Examining the potential size, demand, and dynamics of the market you're entering and how your product fits into this context.

  • Technological Innovation: Gauging the degree of innovation in your technology, including its uniqueness, potential for disruption, and technical sophistication.

applications are closed

applications are closed

Pitch Deck GUIDANCE

Compelling Storytelling

Craft a narrative that takes the viewer on a journey, explaining why your startup matters.

Data and Visuals

Support your story with relevant data. Use high-quality visuals to enhance understanding and retention.

Clarity Over Jargon

Use simple, clear language. Avoid industry-specific jargon that might confuse or alienate your audience.

Pitch TIPS

Engage Immediately

Begin with a captivating hook to immediately grab attention.

Problem & Solution

Clearly articulate the problem you’re addressing and your innovative solution.

Authenticity

Be genuine and let your passion for what you’re building shine through.

AWARDS
TOP 10 FINALISTS

Pitch Opportunity

The top 10 finalists will be invited to pitch live at BLAXPO for the chance to win a $10,000 cash grant and conditional acceptance into the DMZ Incubator program (with an additional grant of up to $20,000).

Pitch Advisory Sessions

The top 10 finalists will receive an online pitching workshop to refine their pitch and tell a better narrative on their business.

 FAQ

    • Tell a succinct story outlining your business plan, focusing on the problem, solution, and unique value proposition.

    • An effective model to help you organize your thoughts is by utilizing a lean canvas.

  • Use clear, compelling storytelling, back up your points with data, and keep the design clean and professional.

  • Avoid overcrowding slides with information, using too much technical jargon, or vague financial projections.

  • For a 3-minute pitch, not a whole lot! Aim to provide clear, well-researched financial projections but keep them concise. Focus on key metrics like revenue, costs, and break-even analysis.

  • Yes, we offer feedback to applicants upon request, to help you refine your pitch for future opportunities.

  • Discuss your long-term vision, potential markets, and how you plan to grow and scale.

  • Focus on the potential impact, your vision, and any initial traction or market validation you've achieved.

ABOUT DMZ

A global startup ecosystem, DMZ equips the next generation of tech entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build, launch and scale highly impactful startups. By providing connections to customers, coaching, capital and a community, DMZ’s world-leading incubator programs help innovators reach the next milestone in their entrepreneurial journey – whatever that might be.