TechCircle has officially launched the fifth edition of its flagship startup competition, Pitch2Win5, offering early-stage African startups a chance to win a $10,000 equity-free grant and pitch to over 30 global investors. The competition aims to spotlight high-potential startups, connect them with industry leaders, and unlock real opportunities for growth.
Pitch2Win5 is designed to accelerate the growth of innovative startups across Africa. Finalists will pitch live to a room of investors and ecosystem players, with one winner emerging at the top and going home with $10,000 equity-free funding. The competition also offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to a global audience.
Pitch2Win has a history of identifying and supporting startups with high growth potential. Finalists from previous editions have moved on to achieve great feats such as listing on the Y Combinator Startup Directory, raising 7-digit seed funding rounds, and ranking on the list of top startups in Nigeria.
For instance, Regxta, the winner of Pitch2Win4, secured $10,000 in equity-free funding and an all-expense-paid trip to IVS2024 in Kyoto, Japan. Founded by Rukayat Bello, Afis Bello, and Moses Obika, Regxta provides quick and easy access to financial services for unbanked individuals and micro-businesses in rural and peri-urban communities across Africa.
Other notable alumni include Paystack, a payment processing company acquired by Stripe for $200 million in 2020.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Pitch2Win5, applicants must:
- Be innovators, building for the African market (coverage should include Nigeria)
- Be early-stage technology-creating or technology-enabled startups
- Have a market-ready product and/or prototype (traction is a plus)
- Be visionary innovators
- Technology-enabled solutions, preferably Web2 and Web3 Technologies
- Nigerian-based innovators
- Available to attend physical pitch event in Lagos, Nigeria on July 11, 2023
Key dates
- Application deadline: June 14th, 2025
- Finalists notification: June 22nd, 2025
- Event day: July 11th, 2025
Application process
Applications opened to the public on May 30th, 2025. Innovators whose solutions meet the eligibility criteria can apply to pitch at the Pitch2Win event
Evaluation & Selection: Pitch2Win`s expert panel of judges will evaluate the submissions based on various criteria, including innovation, scalability, market viability, and team composition. 10 exceptional startups will be chosen as finalists to present their solution on stage at the Pitch2Win event in Lagos, Nigeria
Mentoring Sessions: A team of experienced coaches and mentors will help the startups refine their ideas in preparation for the pitch event.
Pitch Event: Selected finalists will be invited to the Pitch2Win5 grand pitch event, where they present their ideas and solutions to the judges and potentially captivate the audience with your vision, business model, and growth strategy
How to apply
Interested startups can apply by visiting the official Pitch2Win5 application page. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your startup to a global audience and take it to the next level. The deadline is Saturday, June 14, 2025.
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