Sep 18, 3:00 – 5:30 PM (UTC)
Microlab, Aert van Nesstraat, Rotterdam, 3012CA
Ready to battle? 🌟 Join thousands of startups worldwide competing to be crowned Global Champion. Apply for Rotterdam's Battle and win a ticket to the SG Summit in Silicon Valley! With 3-minute pitches, and feedback from investors and venture capitalists, startups will face off to claim prizes and a chance at global recognition. Don't miss this thrilling event showcasing top innovators in tech! 🚀
Winners don’t just gain recognition — they unlock real opportunities:
Pitch live to Silicon Valley VCs.
Earn VIP access to Startup Grind Global 2026.
Secure investor matchmaking & pitch teardowns at the AI Summit.
Gain gobal recognition as your Rotterdam’s Startup of the Year.
Local Chapter Pitch Battles → 1-minute, 1-slide pitches. Local winners advance.
Virtual Semi-Finals (by industry) → 1 All-Star Pitch Battle for each Semi-Finals: Software & AI • Consumer Tech & Media • Deep Tech, Climate & Frontier.
Global Final → 3-minute live pitches to top Silicon Valley investors.
To keep the competition fair and future-focused, we welcome startups that are:
Tech-driven (Pre-seed to Series A stage)
Product-ready: MVP or launched product encouraged
Not service-only firms (no consultancies, agencies, or law firms)
Able to pitch in English (Semi-Finals & Final)
Software & AI: SaaS, AI/ML, cybersecurity, fintech, Web3, dev tools & more.
Consumer Tech & Media: marketplaces, gaming, health apps, edtech, foodtech, creator economy.
Deep Tech, Climate & Frontier: climate tech, biotech, robotics, space, quantum, frontier science
5:15 – 5:30 PM → 👋 Check-in & Networking
5:30 – 6:00 PM → 🎤 Panel Discussion with the Judges
6:00 – 7:00 PM → ⚡ Founders Pitch Battle
Top 5 selected startups
3-min pitches + Q&A — head-to-head!
Judges will share feedback during networking
7:15 – 7:30 PM → 🏆 Winners Announced
7:30 PM onwards → 🍻 Networking & Drinks
⏳ Seats are limited. Claim yours today and witness the battle that puts Rotterdam’s startups on the global stage.
Applications are open until 12th of September!
🔥 Register Now
To join as audience members - Apply here!
Thursday, September 18, 2025
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM (UTC)
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.
Tools & Discounts for Startups
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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