announcing the tc early stage pitch-off
TechCrunch Early Stage Pitch-Off: A New Opportunity for Startups
Founders, you are likely aware of the upcoming TechCrunch Early Stage events scheduled for April 1-2 and July 8-9. These two-day intensive programs are designed as a bootcamp for founders and entrepreneurs. They gather leading experts to provide guidance on achieving success and building thriving companies.
Introducing the Early Stage Pitch-Off
This year, each event will feature a new element on the second day: the Early Stage Pitch-Off. TechCrunch is actively seeking to present 10 promising early-stage startups to a wide-reaching audience of investors, members of the press, and prominent figures within the tech industry.
Applications for the April 2 Early Stage Pitch-Off are currently being accepted, with a deadline of February 21. Don't miss this opportunity!
How the Pitch-Off Will Work
A core component of any TechCrunch event is the spotlight on innovative startups. Here’s a breakdown of the process. Ten selected founders will deliver five-minute pitches on stage.
Following each pitch, a five-minute question-and-answer session will be conducted with a panel of respected venture capital judges. The top three performing startups will advance to the final round.
The final round will involve another pitch presentation, accompanied by a more in-depth Q&A session and a fresh panel of judges. The ultimate winner will receive significant recognition.
Prizes for the Winning Startup
The winning startup will be featured in an article on TechCrunch.com. They will also receive a one-year complimentary subscription to ExtraCrunch and a complimentary Founder Pass to TechCrunch Disrupt this fall.
Preparation and Support for Participants
Concerned about pitching in front of a large audience? Rest assured, founders selected to participate will receive comprehensive preparation.
This includes several training sessions as part of a remote mini-bootcamp, communication skills training, and personalized pitch coaching from the experienced Startup Battlefield team. Participating startups will also be publicly announced on TechCrunch.com prior to the event.
Eligibility Requirements
TechCrunch is looking for companies in the early stages of development, specifically pre-Series-A, that have received limited press coverage. The Early Stage Pitch-Off is open to companies globally.
This includes both consumer-facing and enterprise-focused businesses across a diverse range of industries, such as biotech, space exploration, mobility, impact investing, SaaS, hardware, and sustainability.
- Stage: Pre-Series A
- Press: Limited coverage
- Location: Global
- Industry: All industries considered
Founders, this is a unique chance to showcase your company on a leading tech platform. Apply today and seize the opportunity!
Neesha Tambe
Neesha A. Tambe: A Profile in Global Startup Ecosystem Development
Neesha A. Tambe possesses extensive experience in identifying and cultivating early-stage ventures. Her work involved the recruitment, sourcing, evaluation, and training of startup founders participating in TechCrunch’s international Startup Battlefield competition.
International Program Leadership
Demonstrating a commitment to expanding market reach, Neesha spearheaded the implementation of startup programs across diverse geographical regions. These included initiatives in Berlin, San Francisco, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Her expertise extends to both domestic and international scaling strategies, focusing on the growth of both products and programs.
Community Building and Investor Relations
Beyond program management, Neesha was responsible for nurturing the Startup Battlefield Alumni Community. This involved fostering connections and providing ongoing support to past participants.
Furthermore, she conceptualized and launched CrunchMatch, TechCrunch’s dedicated platform designed to facilitate connections between investors and promising startups.
Educational Background and Personal Interests
Neesha’s academic foundation is rooted in a dual degree from Georgetown University, encompassing the fields of Sociology and Political Science. Her thesis specifically focused on the critical topic of Sustainability.
She also holds an Associate of Arts degree from De Anza Community College.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Neesha is deeply committed to several causes. These include social justice advocacy, active civic engagement, the advancement of carbon capture technologies, and maintaining physical well-being through reformer pilates.