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SXSW Sydney 2024 Pitch Submissions

About SXSW Sydney 2024 Pitch

‍One of SXSW Sydney’s core missions is to elevate incredible ideas and help creative people achieve their goals.

One of the ways we’ll do this is through SXSW Sydney Pitch: our competition which will showcase the next wave of ground-breaking, impactful, and exciting startups that will disrupt industries and change our lives for the better. Startups from around the world will pitch their big ideas to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, and venture capital and angel investors - all in front of a live audience.

Finalists will be chosen from the public submissions process linked here, and they’ll present their ideas in the Pitch Rounds during SXSW Sydney, with the winners of the rounds going through to the Grand Final. From there, the panel will determine a Grand Final winner, who will win the opportunity to pitch their idea at SXSW in Austin in 2025.

The theme for SXSW Sydney Pitch in 2024 is “What’s Next”, reflecting the coming wave of technologies and the aspiration to seek solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our world today.  

SXSW Sydney Pitch will run from 16 - 17 October 2024.

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Pitch

Key Dates And Eligibility Criteria

Submissions open: 9:00 AM AEST Monday, May 27, 2024
Pitch Info Webinar: 2 - 2:30PMpMm AEST Wednesday, June 12 2024, RSVP HERE
Submissions close: 11:59 PM AEST Monday, July 22, 2024

So who is eligible for SXSW Sydney Pitch? The good news is that we’re casting the net wide – we want to get as many brilliant startup pitches as possible. Our eligibility criteria is simple:

  • The applicant must have been launched no earlier than October 2020.
  • The applicant must not have raised more than eight (8) million dollars in funding at the date of entry into SXSW Sydney Pitch 2024.
  • The pitch must fall into one of the seven categories detailed below.
  • The Pitcher (read more on that below) must be available in person at SXSW Sydney on Oct 16 and 17, 2024.

Once you’ve submitted your application for SXSW Sydney Pitch, you’ll be notified by email if you’ve been successful.

Pitch

How Does The SXSW Sydney Pitch Process Work?

All participants in SXSW Sydney Pitch will be chosen from public submissions, which are open now. There are seven categories within SXSW Sydney Pitch, which you can read more about below. Three participants in each category will be chosen from the public submissions, and the competition at SXSW Sydney Pitch will work like this:

  • Each applicant will nominate their Pitcher, who’ll present during the Pitch Rounds. Please note there can only be one Pitcher on stage.
  • The Pitcher is required to attend the Pitch Preparation Webinar on September 10, 2024.
  • A final Pitch Deck must be submitted to SXSW Sydney by October 7, 2024 at 5:00PM AEDT
  • Your Pitcher must be prepared to deliver their pitch at the allotted time in the Pitch Rounds (and the Grand Final if successful) and be ready to answer questions from the panel.
  • The participants will present their ideas in a 3 minute pitch followed by a 3 minute Q&A from the judges in the Pitch Rounds of each category. These pitches will be judged by a small panel of industry experts in that category and will take place on Wednesday 16October.
  • The winner of each of the Pitch Rounds will go through to the Grand Final, which will take place on Thursday, October 17. A Grand Final Winner will be determined by a panel of high profile industry judges.

SXSW Sydney Pitch 2024 is proudly presented by VentureCrowd

“After last year’s highly successful event, we are thrilled to come back stronger with more support for this innovative ecosystem of change-makers. We’re excited to be sponsoring the highly anticipated SXSW Sydney Pitch event, where some of the most impressive founders and creative thinkers from around the globe converge. This partnership underscores our commitment to empowering the next generation of trailblazers with a platform that enables remarkable individuals to elevate groundbreaking ideas, build valuable connections, and take one step closer to solving some of the world’s most wicked problems!”

– Steve Maarbani, VentureCrowd Founder & CEO

Here Are The SXSW Sydney Pitch Categories for 2024

Climate Tech and Sustainability
Technologies addressing environmental and sustainability challenges including renewable and clean energy, circular economy, sustainable solutions, waste management, decarbonisation, carbon footprint reduction, agtech, sustainable cities and proptech solutions.
Health, Biotech and Medtech
Technologies focused on health, medical technologies, nutrition, wellness, fitness, disease and illness prevention, identification and treatment, pharma technology and better connection of individuals with health facilities/providers/services.
Entertainment, Games & Media
Technologies enhancing the entertainment experience including those across screen, games, music and sport, tools that automate, streamline and optimise marketing and media affecting how we experience information including social media and content.
Future of Work and Education
Technologies that enhance the work that we do, the workforce and the workplace, how we develop skills, personal development, the learning and teaching environment and innovations in the HR and recruitment industries.
Hardware, Manufacturing and Physical Solutions
Technologies of a physical nature including robotics, advanced manufacturing and materials, sensors, internet of things, connected devices, data storage, innovative hardware or products, 3D printing, audio & visual devices and space tech.
Innovation in Retail and Commerce
Technologies enhancing the way we consume and pay for goods and services inclusive of innovative platforms, advertising, marketplaces, sales, financial products, payment technologies, circular economy, returns, supply chain and retail technology.
Enterprise, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
Technologies that increase productivity for businesses and individuals by using new workflows to simplify informational data, advanced data analytics, B2B SaaS technology, cyber security, protection of data, digital ID, generative AI and automation to enhance and optimise  human outputs and decision making, computer vision, voice and natural language processing.

Judging Criteria

Many factors will come into play when assessing submissions for SXSW Sydney Pitch, but this is the criteria that the judges will be looking at very closely:

  • Innovation / Originality: Uniqueness of the core concept – is it truly something different?
  • Viability: The business model and capacity to achieve profitability and be sustainable in a sizeable market.
  • Marketability: Market traction and adoption by users and existing or potential marketing exposure and brand awareness.
  • Potential for Growth: Go to market strategy, growth strategy and potential to scale.
  • Capacity for Impact: How does the startup impact their market and/or improve the world?
  • Team / People: The team and their capacity to make the company a success including the company dynamics, values, mission and culture.

The Prize

Now for the fun part. The Grand Final winner will take home a big prize, which includes:

  • Two Platinum Badges for SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas as well as two economy return airfares.
  • The opportunity to present their Pitch as part of the Winner Ceremony at SXSW in Austin
  • A tailored mentorship package from SXSW Sydney Pitch partner, Venture Crowd.

The Grand final winner as well as all finalists for SXSW Sydney will also receive additional prizes – to be revealed closer to the event date.

SXSW Sydney 2024 Pitch FAQS

SXSW Sydney Pitch is looking to showcase some of the global startup ecosystem's most exciting, mission-oriented innovations, startups and people creating impactful companies, products and solutions that will change our lives.  The theme for 2024 is “What’s Next” reflecting the coming wave of technologies and the aspiration to seek solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. The 2024 SXSW Sydney Pitch competition will consist of three (3) participants across seven (7) categories with finalists from each round presenting in the SXSW Sydney Pitch Grand Final to an accomplished panel of judges.

SXSW Sydney Pitch offers invaluable exposure for innovators and early-stage founders by attracting recognition from influential figures in their industry, opportunities to meet investors and potential partnerships as well as wide media exposure. Winners will also receive a suite of prizes, to be announced.

What are the key dates?
Applicants
‍Submission Opens: Monday 27th May 2024 9:00AM (AEST)
‍Submission Info Webinar: Wednesday 12th June 2024, 2:00PM – 2:30PM (AEST) - RSVP HERE
‍Submission Closes: Monday 22nd July 2024, 11:59PM (AEST)
‍Applicants Notified: Monday 19th Aug – Mon 2nd Sept 2024 [on a rolling basis]

Participants
‍Pitch Preparation Webinar: Tuesday 10th September 2:00PM – 2:30PM (AEST)
‍Final Pitch Deck Submission: Monday 7th October 5:00PM (AEDT) 
‍SXSW Sydney Conference: 14-21 October 2024 (Pitch Rounds 16th October and Grand Final 17th October)
Who can apply?
Applicants may be an early-stage startup company or a team of founders of an impactful, innovative business product or solution in the SXSW Sydney Pitch Entry Categories. Individuals and solo founders are also eligible to apply. ‘Pitchers’ are those selected to present their pitch at the SXSW Sydney Pitch competition and must be available to present at the Pitch Round and the Grand Final in person. 

SXSW Sydney Pitch encourages underrepresented founders and diverse teams to apply and to put their best pitcher forward. ‘Pitchers’ do not have to be founders.  

Applicants should select the most relevant category to apply within. If more than one category is relevant, applicants may choose to apply under multiple categories. If you have any accessibility or additional requirements to participate in SXSW Sydney Pitch, please advise the SXSW Sydney Pitch team at pitch@sxswsydney.com or in your submission.

Participation in SXSW Sydney Pitch is also subject to our standard terms and conditions of entry and the eligibility requirements below.
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
  • The applicant startup must have been launched no earlier than October 2020
  • Founders of any company applying must retain a portion of ownership in their company
  • The applicant company/team must not have raised more than eight (8) million dollars in funding from combined funding sources at the date of entry into SXSW Sydney Pitch 2024
  • The applicant startup/solution must fall into at least one of the SXSW Sydney Pitch categories
  • Nominated Pitcher must be available in person to pitch in their Pitch Round and the Grand Final at SXSW Sydney 2024 on 16-17 October 2024(It is the responsibility of the Pitcher/Founder to arrange for and cover any costs associated with their appearance at SXSW Sydney 2024). Please do not apply if you cannot meet this requirement.
What are the entry categories for SXSW Sydney Pitch?
To apply to SXSW Sydney Pitch, applicants must fit into one or more of the following categories:

We’re looking for creative innovations, products, technologies and solutions in:
  • Climate Tech and Sustainability
    Technologies addressing environmental and sustainability challenges including renewable and clean energy, circular economy, sustainable solutions, waste management, decarbonisation, carbon footprint reduction, agtech, sustainable cities and proptech solutions.
  • Health, Biotech and Medtech
    Technologies focused on health, medical technologies, nutrition, wellness, fitness, disease and illness prevention, identification and treatment, pharma technology and better connection of individuals with health facilities/providers/services.
  • Entertainment, Games & Media
    Technologies enhancing the entertainment experience including those across screen, games, music and sport, tools that automate, streamline and optimise marketing and media affecting how we experience information including social media and content.
  • Future of Work and Education
    Technologies that enhance the work that we do, the workforce and the workplace, how we develop skills, personal development, the learning and teaching environment and innovations in the HR and recruitment industries.
  • Hardware, Manufacturing and Physical Solutions
    Technologies of a physical nature including robotics, advanced manufacturing and materials, sensors, internet of things, connected devices, data storage, innovative hardware or products, 3d printing, audio & visual devices and space tech.
  • Innovation in Retail and Commerce
    Technologies enhancing the way we consume and pay for goods and services inclusive of innovative platforms, advertising, marketplaces, sales, financial products, payment technologies, circular economy, returns, supply chain and retail technology.
  • Enterprise, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
    Technologies that increase productivity for businesses and individuals by using new workflows to simplify informational data, advanced data analytics, B2B SaaS technology, cyber security, protection of data, digital ID, generative AI and automation to enhance and optimise  human outputs and decision making, computer vision, voice and natural language processing.
What does it cost to apply to SXSW Sydney Pitch?
A non-refundable AUD$55.00 plus GST entry fee per submission from all applicants who would like to be considered for participation in SXSW Sydney Pitch is required.
How many entries can I submit to SXSW Sydney Pitch?
Applicants should select the most relevant category for their startup. In some cases, more than one category may be relevant, and startups are welcome to apply in more than one category if this is the case.
Should my company create a video about our product or service for the online submission process?
It is optional to include a video or demo video in your entry that could further illuminate your submission for the selection team. Videos or demos can be no longer than 90 seconds. A recent pitch deck must also be supplied.
How will I know if I have been selected to participate?
If successful, applicants will receive an email confirming they have been selected to participate in SXSW Sydney Pitch, with the date and time slot of their Pitch Round. Successful applicants must also ensure their nominated Pitcher is available in person to pitch for both the Pitch Round (Wednesday 16 October 2024) and for the Grand Final (Thursday 17 October 2024). All finalists for the Grand Final will be announced at the end of the Pitch Rounds on Wednesday 16 October 2024.
What happens if I am selected to participate in SXSW Sydney Pitch?
All our applicants will be notified by email if selected to pitch for SXSW Sydney Pitch. There are 3 positions in each of the 7 categories for the Pitch Rounds. Winners of each Pitch Round will automatically qualify for the Grand Final on 17 October 2024.  A panel of judges will select the category winners and Grand Final winner. Successful applicants will need to:
  • Nominate their designated “Pitcher” who must have their Pitch ready to pitch in person for the Pitch Rounds and Grand Final at their allotted time. Note that SXSW Sydney will offer pitch preparation support between notification of successful submission and rounds.
  • Ensure their Pitcher (and support team) will be available to attend a Pitch Preparation Webinar on 10 September 2024 (Note there can be no more than one Pitcher per pitch)
  • Submit their final Pitch Deck by 7 October 2024 at 11:59PM AEDT via the SXSW Sydney Pitch submission portal.
Will I receive a registration to SXSW Sydney 2024 if I am selected?
Yes, selected applicants will receive two (2) complimentary registrations for SXSW Sydney 2024.  At least one of these complimentary registrations must be assigned to the Pitcher presenting at the event.
What happens if I don’t get selected?
We value every potential participant no matter where you are along your journey.  If you aren’t selected, we encourage you to attend SXSW Sydney 2024 and/or apply again next year. All entrants will receive a special coupon to register for an industry badge to attend SXSW Sydney 2024 at the early bird rate. Unsuccessful applicants may also be interested in showcasing their startup in Startup Village which is part of SXSW Sydney Expo. Please contact expo@sxswsydney.com.
What do the winners and finalists of SXSW Sydney Pitch receive?
SXSW Sydney Grand Final Winner Prize includes:  
  • Two (2) Platinum Badges for SXSW Austin 2025 and x two (2) economy return airfares, to Austin, Texas (terms and conditions apply); a special slot to present a speed pitch during the SXSW Pitch Winner Ceremony in Austin Texas; a suite of SXSW Sydney Pitch sponsor gifts, and a tailored mentorship package
  • Finalists will also receive additional prizes to be announced as the event date approaches.
Who selects the SXSW Sydney Finalists and winners?
The SXSW Sydney Pitch Advisory Board is made up of key industry leaders, experts and investors together with SXSW Sydney team, who screen each submission to make sure all key criteria are met and will decide who will move to the Pitch Rounds.

Winners of the Pitch Rounds and the Grand Final winner are decided by industry expert judges, based on key judging criteria in their categories.
What are the key criteria when reviewing submissions and in the judging process?
The evaluation of each submission is based on many factors, but the judges will look at the following six (6) key criteria:
  • Innovation/Originality: Uniqueness of the core concept - is it truly something different/?
  • Viability: The business model and capacity to achieve profitability and be sustainable in a sizeable market. 
  • Marketability: Market traction and adoption by users and existing or potential marketing exposure and brand awareness
  • Potential for growth: Go to market strategy, growth strategy and potential to scale.
  • Capacity for Impact: How does the startup impact their market and/or improve the world?
  • Team / People: The team and their capacity to make the company a success including the company dynamics, values, mission & culture
These key criteria will also be considered by the Pitch Round judges and the Grand Final judges.
How long will my SXSW Sydney Pitch presentation need to be?
If accepted, each pitcher will have up to 3 minutes to present their idea, with an additional 3 minutes of Q&A by a panel of industry expert judges. These times will be strictly adhered to.
During the presentation to the judges, how many people can be onstage presenting?
Each applicant can only have one (1) Pitcher presenting to the judges, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Please advise the SXSW Sydney Pitch team of your requirements if you require more than one person on stage. 
Can I talk about fundraising in my presentation?
Successful applicants should focus on showcasing their startup and its product/innovation/business and not mention details that could be construed as soliciting offers of investment from the judges or audience in their presentations and presentation materials.

For example, you can say what stage you are at and are looking to fundraise to support the next stage of growth of the startup, but should not include detailed financial projections, offer of shares and terms of offering. Please reserve all conversations about fundraising to private one-on-one meetings with known accredited investors. By participating in SXSW Sydney Pitch, you agree that SXSW Sydney does not give investment or legal advice and that you are responsible for ensuring your compliance with applicable securities laws in your country and Australia.

For further information about fundraising requirements and laws in Australia consult your legal representative or contact ASIC (asic.gov.au)
What about my intellectual property?
The applicant is solely responsible for protecting any intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, etc.) in their submission. If you think you have intellectual property rights or you might want to patent your idea someday or you feel confidential information may be compromised, it is strongly recommended that you consult a lawyer before disclosing this information in your submission.

By submitting a submission, you acknowledge that applying for SXSW Sydney Pitch could result in disclosure of your intellectual property if such information is included in your submission.

SXSW Sydney is not in a position to protect or advise you on your intellectual property rights and does not take any responsibility for doing so. Additionally, SXSW Sydney does not require non-disclosure agreements or other confidentiality obligations from anyone involved in the SXSW Sydney Pitch process.
Can I get a refund of my submission or registration fee?
Unfortunately, no refunds are available for submitted submissions. 

If you register to attend before being notified by SXSW Sydney of your status as an applicant to SXSW Sydney Pitch, you will not be eligible for a refund of that ticket, however you can transfer to another person if your submission is subsequently successful. Please contact pitch@sxswsydney.com for further information.

Glossary of Terms

“Startup” means an early-stage company seeking to develop a scalable business model;
“Team” means a team of two (2) or more founders of a company, business, or owners of an innovation, invention or product;
“Founder” means the person or persons who incepted the Startup/new product/innovation/business/company and are legally responsible for its development and growth;
“Company” means a legally incorporated entity owned by the majority of the founding team;  
“Pitcher” means the person or persons on stage presenting the details of the “Pitch” to the team of judges and industry experts;
“Pitch” means a presentation (whether aided by audio visual materials or live demo or not) of a new product/innovation/business/company, which showcases key elements to attract customers, investors, advocates and advisors to help grow the venture;
“Pitch Round” means a competition round with 3 entrants in an eligible category; 
“Pitch Deck” means a visual presentation o of the Startup/ new product/innovation/business/company aiding a Pitcher to present the Pitch to a live audience; 
“Grand Final” means the final Pitch in the SXSW Sydney Pitch competition for the SXSW Sydney Pitch Prize;
“SXSW Sydney Pitch Prize” means the suite of prizes made available to the winner and finalists of the SXSW Sydney Pitch Competition;   
“SXSW Sydney Pitch Competition” means a competition whereby eligible Pitchers, make a Pitch in front of a panel of industry expert judges, who decide winners of the “SXSW Sydney Pitch Prize”;

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