Startup World Cup Boston Regional Pitch Competition | Boston Tech Week

May 26, 9:00 PM – May 27, 12:00 AM (UTC)

Boston

TBD, Boston, Boston, 02109

Startup World Cup is one of the world’s largest startup pitch competitions, organized by Pegasus Ventures, bringing together top startups, investors, and ecosystem leaders. The Boston Regional winner advances to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco to compete for a $1M investment prize.

In-person event
Pitch Battle

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About this event

Startup World Cup returns to Boston as part of Boston Tech Week, bringing together leading startups, investors, and ecosystem builders for the Boston Regional Pitch Competition.

Organized globally by Pegasus Ventures, Startup World Cup hosts more than 100 regional competitions across six continents. Each regional winner advances to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where they will compete on stage for a $1,000,000 investment prize.

The Boston Regional highlights some of the most promising startups building in and around one of the world’s most innovative technology ecosystems. From AI and robotics to life sciences, fintech, climate tech, and enterprise software, Boston has long been a launchpad for companies solving global problems.

This event is designed to showcase that momentum while connecting founders directly with investors, operators, and community leaders shaping the next generation of innovation.

Selected startups will pitch live on stage in front of a panel of judges composed of venture capitalists, experienced founders, and industry leaders. Each company will deliver a short, high-impact presentation followed by judge questions evaluating their market opportunity, traction, team, and growth potential.

At the conclusion of the competition, one company will be selected as the Startup World Cup Boston Regional Champion and will advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, joining winners from regional competitions around the world.

Beyond the competition itself, the evening will bring together the broader innovation community during Boston Tech Week, creating space for meaningful conversations between founders, investors, students, and ecosystem partners.

Attendees can expect:

  • Live startup pitches from emerging companies
  • A curated panel of investors and ecosystem leaders serving as judges
  • Insights into what investors look for in early-stage companies
  • Opportunities to connect with founders building the next generation of technology
  • Networking with investors, operators, and innovation leaders across Boston

Whether you are a founder raising capital, an investor looking for the next breakout company, or someone passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation, Startup World Cup Boston offers a front-row seat to the region’s emerging startup talent.

The Boston Regional Pitch Competition is hosted by Startup Grind Boston in collaboration with Pegasus Ventures and will serve as one of the flagship startup events during Boston Tech Week.

Applications are open for startups interested in pitching on stage. Selected finalists will be invited to present live at the regional event.

Application form: Click to Access

View the official Startup World Cup Boston Regional page here

Facilitator

  • Jason Kraus

    Prepare 4 VC

    Founder

Moderators

  • Paul Harb

    Startup Grind Boston

    University Co-Facilitator

  • Talal Fakhoury

    Startup Grind

    University Co-Facilitator

Judges

  • Cvic Innocent

    Frankenbuild Ventures

    Founder & GP

  • Carl Becker

    Schooner Capital

    Investor

  • Shweta Agrawal

    Boston New Technology|Techstars Startup Weekend Boston|SheBuilds

    Innovation Leader, Product|GTM Expert, Tech Innovator

  • Robi Guha

    TLM

    CEO

When

When

May 26 – 27, 2026
9:00 PM – 12:00 AM (UTC)

Agenda

Doors Open & Networking
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Startup World Cup Overview
Regional Pitch Competition Begins
Judges Deliberation & Audience Networking
Winner Announcement
Community Networking celebration
Event wrap-up

Hosts

  • Jason Kraus

    Prepare 4 VC

    Founder

  • Steve Vilkas

    ASTRA Labs|Boston New Technology|Startup Grind Boston

    Growth, Community & Success

Organizers

  • Jason Kraus

    Startup Grind

    Chapter Director

  • Steven Vilkas

    Startup Grind Boston Co-Director

  • Talal Fakhoury

    Startup Grind

    University Co-Facilitator

  • Paul Harb

    University Co-Facilitator

Global sponsor

Carta logo

Carta

Partners

Prepare 4 VC logo

Prepare 4 VC

Boston New Technology logo

Boston New Technology

Startup World Cup logo

Startup World Cup

Carta logo

Carta

Startup Boston logo

Startup Boston

Pebl logo

Pebl

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