The ultimate Pitch Battle of the year @ Startup Grind Berlin - virtual event

Sep 16, 4:00 – 5:30 PM (UTC)

Berlin

🔥 It’s time to crown the next BIG thing! 🔥The Startup Pitch Battle – Virtual Edition is HERE, and the world’s boldest fo...

Virtual event
Pitch Battle

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About this event

🔥 It’s time to crown the next BIG thing! 🔥

The Startup Pitch Battle – Virtual Edition is HERE, and the world’s boldest founders are stepping into the ring! 🚀

đź’ˇ Fast pitches. Fierce ideas. Zero fluff.
They’ve got just minutes to win over the judges, wow the crowd, and claim the crown 👑 (and yes… the prizes are epic).

🌎 Live. Global. Unmissable.
This isn’t your average Zoom call — it’s the main stage of innovation streaming straight to your screen.

⚡ When: 16.09.2025 at 18:00 to 19:30 (CEST)
📍 Where: Online – anywhere you’ve got Wi-Fi
🎯 Who’s it for? Innovators, dreamers, deal-makers, and hype-chasers.

💥 Reserve your spot now — the future is pitching itself.

#StartupBattle #PitchToWin #FutureFounders #VirtualEvent #InnovationUnleashed

What’s Happening?

Startup Grind’s All-Star Pitch Battle is back — and this time, we’re bringing the heat to Berlin

We’re on the hunt for Berlin's most innovative early-stage startup to compete for the global title of Startup Grind’s Startup of the Year 2025. From Berlin to Silicon Valley, this is your gateway to global recognition, investor access, and exclusive opportunities. In our local virtual event, pitch in front of an amazing panel of Jury consisting of Johannis Hatt, Paul von Hinueber and our very own co-director Erik Ackner

Regional winners will go head-to-head with the best startups from over 120 countries, pitching in front of world-class VCs and tech leaders. Are you ready to represent Berlin on the world stage?

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for early-stage, high-impact, and tech-driven startups that:

  • Have a scalable business model

  • Operate with a working MVP or live product

  • Are based in Berlin or anywhere in Germany

  • Have traction or revenue (nice to have, not required)

Key Dates

  • Applications Close: August 29, 2025

  • Berlin Chapter Pitch (Virtual): September 16, 2025 18:00 to 19:30 CET

  • Industry Semi-Finals (Virtual): September 24, 2025

  • Global Final @ AI Summit (Virtual): October 1, 2025

Why Join the Pitch Battle?

1. Local Glory, Global Opportunity

  • Be crowned Startup of the Year - Germany

  • Get featured on Startup Grind’s global YouTube (83K+ subscribers)

  • Advance to the Global Semi-Finals and Final

2. Real Exposure

  • Pitch in front of VCs, investors, and global media

  • Build brand credibility and visibility

  • Get access to Startup Grind’s global network

3. Exclusive Prizes

  • Finalists pitch live at the AI Summit 2025 (5K+ global audience)

  • Curated 1:1 investor meetings

  • Full Access Pass to Startup Grind Global Conference 2026

  • VIP Silicon Valley networking invites

  • Digital Badges, Bundle Passes & more

How It Works

  • Pitch Format: 1-minute pitch + 1 slide

  • Judging Criteria: Scalability, innovation, impact, and clarity

  • Hosted by: Startup Grind Berlin Chapter

  • Application Includes: A 1-minute video + basic startup info

Apply Now

Apply Here

  • Choose “Berlin, Germany” as your Chapter

  • Deadline: August 29, 2025

  • Need help? Reach out to ranjan@startupgrind.com or erik.ackner@startupgrind.com

FAQs

Does it cost anything?

No, applying and pitching is 100% free. We take no equity.

Is my info confidential?

Yes. Only Startup Grind HQ and local Chapter Directors review your application.

Do I pitch in English?

Yes, English is required for Semi-Finals and Global Final rounds.

What if I don’t win?

You’ll still gain valuable feedback, exposure, and join our local + global community of founders and investors.

Not Pitching? Still Join Us!

Come support the next wave of German based startups, connect with fellow innovators, and experience Startup Grind’s signature vibe of real conversations and authentic community.

Let’s show the world what the Berlin startup ecosystem is made of.

Apply now and take the first step toward becoming the next All-Star Champion.

#StartupGrindBerlin #AllStarPitchBattle #BerlinStartups #StartupOfTheYear #SGBerlin #GlobalStage

👉🏽 Help us spotlight the next 100 rising stars shaping the future of AI—nominate a builder, researcher, founder, or leader you admire for the Mayfield | Divot AI List today.

Judges

  • Paul von Hinueber

    Redstone

    Principal

  • Johannis Hatt

    JVH Ventures GmbH

    Founder & CEO

  • Erik Ackner

    Black Semiconductor, Startup Grind

    Executive Specialist, Co-Director

Host

  • Ranjan Jinka

    Startup Grind Berlin

    Director

Organizers

  • Ranjan R Jinka

    EnerSys

    Chapter Director

  • Erik Ackner

    Black Semiconductor

    Executive Specialist, Teacher

  • Javier Peres

    Awaken AI

    Marketing

  • Sagar Kuppast

    Sponsorships

  • Ana Vitoria Eichenberger Teixeira

    Community

  • Melina Sabin

    Marketing

Global sponsor

Google Cloud logo

Google Cloud

About Startup Grind

This is Startup Grind. We are the world’s largest startup community.

Our Mission

To give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.

Our Values

We believe in making friends, not contacts. We believe in giving first, not taking. We believe in helping others before helping yourself.

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Take advantage of resources and offers provided by organizations we know and love, designed to help you navigate the startup journey.

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