Startups invited to pitch to 1,500 investors on European stage
There is just one week left for founders to submit their applications to be considered for Bits & Pretzels European Pitch Contest where they can put their business in the spotlight in front of 1,500 potential investors from across Europe at the annual Bits & Pretzels festival that takes place in Munich in September.
The festival theme this year is ‘connecting Europe’ and attracts over 7,500 founders, investors and industry leaders. The festival continues to expand its role as a central platform for cross-border collaboration and thanks to new country partners and a growing number of international participants, is becoming a hotspot for Europe’s innovation chain.
The pitch contest has led to success for businesses who have taken part. 2024 winners, ecoplanet, closed a €16 million Series A round with EQT Ventures shortly after winning the coveted Golden Pretzel. Founder Maximilian Dekorsy said: “The European Pitch Contest at Bits & Pretzels was a huge challenge, but also a unique opportunity. It was especially important for us to raise awareness of our topic and company among as many people as possible – and we succeeded!”
constellr, the winner in September 2022, was able to significantly accelerate its scaling after the win. By November, the startup secured a €10 million seed round, followed by another €17 million in July 2023 – bringing constellr’s total funding to €33.5 million for its satellite-based climate data platform.
How does it work?
- 6th July: application deadline. Apply for the startup pitch competition via the online application form
- August: the jury will decide who are the Top 50 startups and they will receive invaluable pitch coaching
- 29th September: 20 of the top 50 contestants will face each other in 3-minute pitches where they present their concepts and ideas to a jury of respected founders
- September 30 – the Grand Final: four finalists will pitch their startup business to get their hands on the winner’s trophy and get noticed by potential investors and industry leaders
Eligible participants are startups that are no more than five years old and still in the early stages – i.e. have reached, at most, Series A funding or still in pre-Series A. They must employ no more than 100 people and have raised less than €20 million in funding. Participation is free.
Applications close on the 6th July 2025.
Apply now by visiting www.bitsandpretzels.com/european-pitch-contest
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