One of the most common questions that come out of early stage startups is how they can get additional funding, guidance or introductions. At Celebrate 2015, not only will our thought leaders and mentors have answers to this question and many more, but for those awesome enough to become semi-finalists in the Startup of the Year competition, they’ll have the chance to win their share of $250,000 in prize packages. This year the stakes are higher, the rewards are bigger, and seven startups will walk home with the fuel they need to advance their mission (with some awesome perks for semi-finalists, too). On October 5 and 6 at Celebrate, Startups from around the world will gather in Las Vegas to compete in Tech.Co’s Startup of the Year competition.
In addition to these great prizes, attendees will also have the opportunity to speak first-hand with mentors and experts over the course of the conference.
Startup of the Year Prizes at Celebrate
Five finalists will have to fight for the title of Startup of the Year, and each will have the opportunity to receive some game changing prizes:
The first place winner will receive the official Startup of the Year chalice and crown, $120,000 in hosting credits on SoftLayer’s infrastructure over a year, and their choice of accepting a 500Startups, Techstars, Tech Wildcatters, DreamIt Ventures or Crowdfunder offer. The remaining four offers will then be respectively chosen by the second, third, fourth and fifth place finalists. All top five finalists will also receive American Airline points, a one year FoundersCard membership, Onevest Office Hours and Fast-Track Application, and $12K in hosting credits on SoftLayer’s Infrastructure over a year.
All participating semi-finalists will receive some great prizes as well. Each semi-finalist will receive a free month of FoundersCard Membership and $12K in hosting credits on SoftLayer’s Infrastructure over a year.
Outside of the general competition, there are also two special prizes open to semi-finalists. CEA will look for the best Consumer Electronics Startup, and DreamIt Ventures is looking for the best HealthTech Startup.
Detailed Prize Descriptions
SoftLayer – $120,000 in free hosting credits on SoftLayer’s infrastructure, for 12 months to Grand Prize Winner. Plus, $12,000 in free hosting credits on SoftLayer’s infrastructure, for 12 months to all competing startups.
500Startups – Fast-track interview and office hours with partner Elizabeth Yin.
Techstars – Fast-track interview and office hours with a Managing Director.
Tech Wildcatters – Guaranteed spot in next class, includes $25k cash award or investment for ~8% equity stake.
Crowdfunder – $10k platform package that includes
– Staging the fundraise
– Investor introductions
– Syndication to Crowdfunder network
– Fundraising best practices
– Waive the required equity stake
DreamIt Ventures – Two (2) fast-track interviews and office hours with leadership.
CEA – The best CE startup wins a special prize package, including airfare, lodging, complimentary booth space, and tickets to International CES 2016.
American Airlines – (est.) $10k in business extra points:
- 15,000 to grand prize winner
- 10,000 to 2nd place
- 5,000 to each of 3rd, 4th and 5th place
FoundersCard – Five (5) complimentary annual subscriptions for the FoundersCard.
Onevest – Five (5) fast-track interviews including office hours with leadership.
