Startup Club ZA Opens Applications for THE BIG PITCH 2025

Startup Club ZA announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of THE BIG PITCH, in collaboration with the South African Future Trust.

The competition will see 20 South African startups compete for a major investment opportunity worth $1,000,000 (subject to due diligence), meet early-stage investors and corporate partners and gain visibility for your business.

The competition has a Johannesburg and Cape Town round. The Johannesburg round applications opened on the 18^th of March 2025 and will close on the 8^th of April 2025, Cape Town applications open from the 14^th to the 30^th of July 2025.

Application criteria

The following criteria is set for what type of startups should apply for THE BIG PITCH:

·        A startup must be a disruptive early-stage business using innovative technology to solve a significant problem for a large market, while creating or capturing commercial value.

·        The startup must be a for-profit business founded in South Africa, or if founded abroad, have a majority South African founding team and be operating in South Africa.

·        A startup must have a minimum viable product (MVP) or service in the market that is actively being used by the target audience.

·        Applicants can be pre-revenue, but preference is given to startups generating sales.

·        Applicants must be pre-Series A.

·        Applications from all industries/sectors are welcome.  

·        Applications must be submitted in English.

·        The startup must have at least one full-time founder.

·        The applicant must be 18 years or older and authorised to represent the startup.

Once your application has been sent in, it will be assessed by an independent committee and selected to participate on merit. Selection will be made around the following criteria:

·        Innovation and viability of the solution.

·        Scalability (size of the problem and market opportunity)

·        Competitive advantage of the startup and/or founding team.

·        Traction and short-term prospects.

·        Measurable impact (SDG-aligned).

·        Preference for startups that have not raised capital or received mainstream media coverage in the last year.

If you want to apply, click on the link to answer the questions and submit your video application.