On this page, you will find all the information you need to apply to this competition. You can contact the coaches if you have any questions. Let's get started!

What is STARTUP?

STARTUP is the ultimate competition for entrepreneurs ready to put their business idea to the test and compete for the prestigious title of Venture Cup’s Startup of the Year.

Participating in STARTUP gives you invaluable feedback from top investors, industry experts, and entrepreneurs. You’ll gain visibility, exclusive networking opportunities, and access to our Alumni network for long-term connections. Your startup gains credibility, exposure, and a chance to qualify for the National Finals - opening doors to a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Who can compete?

Anyone is welcome to compete in STARTUP as long as you are competing with your own idea and your revenue, as well as external ownership capital, is below 1,000,000 SEK at the time of submission. After that, you are of course encouraged to continue developing your business idea, sales, and potential investments.

Venture Cup does not support ideas that in any way violate Swedish law and reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not comply with Swedish legislation.

How do I compete?

To participate, upload your idea to this platform by clicking contribute. Describe your startup with a pitch deck of up to 20 slides (mandatory). You can also supplement your submission with a maximum of 1000 words and/or an 8-minute video pitch. This is the maximum content the jury will review.

Learn more about how to create a pitch deck here

What happens next?

Feedback is provided both during the competition and even after the deadline. Whether you're nominated or not, you're welcome to attend our final events in four different regions, offering valuable networking opportunities and an inspiring stage program.

Who gives me feedback?

Our expert network of industry leaders from across Sweden, will provide valuable feedback to help you refine and strengthen your idea. For guaranteed feedback, submit your entry as early as possible! REMEMBER you can update and enhance your entry anytime before the final deadline on March 23.

Deadline to receive guaranteed feedback is March 9. Don't wait - apply early.

Who wins?

After the deadline, a screening jury reviews all submitted ideas. The top 10 ideas in each region are nominated and invited to meet the regional jury panels. The nominated teams pitch their business ideas to the jury, which selects the regional winners. Winners are announced at their respective regional finals.

Competition Timeline 2025

• February 4 - Competition opens
• March 9 - Deadline for guaranteed feedback
• March 23 at 23:59 – Submission deadline
• Week 17 - Regional jury meetings
• Week 21 - Regional finals
• October - National final

Important! If your idea is nominated, the Venture Cup team will contact you latest by 1st April for the next steps. Make sure to check your email after the deadline! Venture Cup operates during office hours and can answer any questions then.

Submit your entry well in time!

Read more about the rules and criteria in the documents on the right.

Click the CONTRIBUTE button to get started!

Good luck!🚀