Hey How!
Bartosz Kajdas
Science-Tech Venture Building Expert ? B2B-Pitchtrainer ? Author @Springer Verlag ? Podcaster
Reflecting on May's unusually cold and rainy weather, I find myself eagerly asking, "When will summer finally arrive?" The chilly days have kept us indoors, but brighter times are ahead :-)
I'm excited to share that our June Newsletter is sponsored by WECONOMY. I truly appreciate this sponsorship—it's a fantastic partnership that brings added value to our community.? Learn more about the fantastic program of WECONOMY in this newsletter.
I've streamlined our newsletter for your best experience, adding engaging content, more links to explore, and the finest pitch pick.?
I'm also thrilled to announce a special "Walkthrough" Webinar featuring the finest pitch pick. Seats are limited, so check the date and reserve your spot soon!
Wishing you great pitches and good competition in the coming weeks. Let's embrace new opportunities and enjoy the exciting events ahead.
Warm regards,
P.S. Feel free to invite friends to join our free newsletter –?sharing is caring!
Finest Pitch-Pick Competition
This time, I have a German competition for you!
The?KfW Award Gründen?aims to recognize and celebrate the innovative and impactful efforts of entrepreneurs in Germany, encouraging economic, social, and environmental improvements through creative and bold new ventures
Sponsors
The main sponsor of the KfW Award Gründen is the KfW , one of the world's leading promotional banks.
Focus
The award focuses on highlighting entrepreneurial achievements in various areas including innovation, social responsibility, economic success, and ecological sustainability.
Areas Covered
Eligibility
The competition is open to individuals who have founded a company or taken over an existing one after January 1, 2019.?Only already established companies are eligible to participate.
Deadline for Application
Prize Fund (non-dilutive)
A total prize fund of?€35,000?is available, distributed as follows:
Selection Process
The selection process involves an application review based on:
Check out?Terms & Conditions
Award Ceremony
The awards will be presented on November 7, 2024, in a ceremony held in Berlin. Two representatives from each winning company will be invited, with travel and accommodation costs covered.
Additional Opportunity
Award-winning companies will receive media coverage, including a special broadcast by the TV channel n-tv. They will also get support from a PR agency to market their success stories. Additionally, there is an online voting opportunity for the audience prize post-competition.
Webinar Walkthrough KfW-Gründer Award Application
Join us online on?Mi. 19. Juni 2024 18:00 - 19:00 MESZ?for an exciting live event where we will guide you through the process of applying for this prestigious award. Learn all about the criteria, application steps, and tips for a successful submission.? Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this webinar is perfect for anyone interested in taking their business to the next level.?
Don't miss out on this opportunity to get valuable insights and advice from Bartosz.
Register now and take the first step towards winning the KfW-Gründer Award!
Connect With German's Top CxOs!
I'm excited to share that this episode is sponsored by the WECONOMY Startup-F?rderung - Wissensfabrik
Why am I so happy about this? Let me explain:
As some of you may?know, I spent a significant part of my career working as a Startup and Innovations Manager at Technische Universit?t Darmstadt and the Universit?t Heidelberg . During that time, I had the privilege of consulting numerous science-tech startups, many of whom participated in the WECONOMY program. Their feedback? They were absolutely thrilled with the experience!
Now, a common question I often heard from startups was, "Yeah, but what benefits do I have taking part in an event or competition without any prize money?!"
Well, you know what? I took this question straight to?Lisa Weisenborn from WECONOMY. She is Project Leader Startup Promotion in the Startup-F?rderung - Wissensfabrik initiative.?Together, we delved into the real benefits of participating in their program, beyond the obvious.?
After the overview,?we've put together a short statement?that explains why taking part in WECONOMY is a game-changer for startups.
WECONOMY Overview
The Power of Networking: Why High-Value Connections to CxOs Are More Valuable Than Prize Money
Launching a startup comes with challenges. Founders often face obstacles such as?securing funding, building a customer base, navigating regulatory environments, and scaling operations.?While prize money can provide a temporary boost, it rarely addresses the deeper, strategic issues that startups must overcome for long-term success.
One critical challenge is the need for experienced guidance. Founders are often experts in their specific fields, but may lack the broad business knowhow necessary to steer their startups through uncharted waters. High-value connections to experienced executives, particularly CEOs, become invaluable. These leaders offer a wealth of experience, industry insights, and strategic advice that can help founders navigate the complexities of growing a business.
Expanding a professional network can also open doors to new opportunities. Introductions to potential partners, investors, and customers can accelerate a startup’s growth far more effectively than any financial injection. Furthermore, the credibility that comes with endorsements from respected industry figures enhances a startup's reputation, making it more attractive to stakeholders and building trust in the market.
This is where WECONOMY excels. By participating in the WECONOMY founders' competition, entrepreneurs gain access to a network of CxOs and industry leaders who provide more than just mentorship—they offer practical advice and strategic guidance tailored to each startup's unique challenges. This connection helps founders refine their business models, develop robust growth strategies, and avoid common pitfalls.
Moreover, WECONOMY facilitates valuable introductions to potential partners, investors and customers, leveraging the expansive networks of participating CxOs. High level mentors open doors that money alone cannot buy, providing startups with the opportunity to build lasting relationships that drive their business forward. At the same time, one can also?benefit from the experience of more than 150 alumni startups over the past 17 years.
In conclusion, while prize money offers short-term benefits, the strategic connections and mentorship provided by WECONOMY are indispensable for long-term success. For any founder looking to make a significant impact, WECONOMY is the gateway to unlocking their full potential.
Other Pitch Competitions That Are Interesting
Are You Interested In More Support?
About Pitch-Competition-Alert
Pitch-Competition-Alert is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur and startup mentor, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.
Sharing Is Caring - Please Help To Spread The Word
Together, let's spread the joy of opportunity of cool events! One of the greatest ways to ignite this movement is by?sharing this newsletter with your friends?by mail.
See You Next Month!
I wish you much success with your applications!
See you next month! :)
Best,
Bartosz
*Affiliate Links
As a passionate content creator dedicated to delivering quality and informative material, I often recommend products and services that I personally find valuable. By using affiliate links, I'm able to maintain transparency with you, my audience, about how content is funded. These links provide a way for me to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase through them. This system supports my efforts to continue bringing you thorough, well-researched content while keeping my site free of excessive advertising. Thank you for trusting my recommendations and helping sustain our community!