In an era dominated by dazzling technology and mesmerizing visuals, a remarkable transformation is set to unfold at the upcoming Start Up Festival – introducing "Pitch Black", the revolutionary pitching competition that places human connection and authentic communication at the forefront. This ground-breaking event aims to rekindle the essence of personal engagement, inviting startups to step onto the stage unaided by technological crutches and present their visions with unbridled passion.

The Essence of Pitch Black

Pitch Black isn't just another pitching competition; it's a bold departure from the norm. In a world consumed by virtual realities, this competition dares to reclaim the power of face-to-face interaction.

No flashy slideshows or multimedia here – just you, your ideas, and an eager audience.

Each participant has a defined time window in order to captivate the judges and engage the audience. This short span of time challenges entrepreneurs to distil their visions into compelling narratives that leave an impact. Following the pitch, participants must navigate questions from the judges and audience, forcing founders to think deeper and provide meaningful answers.

Celebrating Excellence: Prizes Await

The significance of Pitch Black lies not only in its innovative format but also in the recognition it bestows on exceptional startups. Two distinct accolades await the participants: the coveted main prize, a service package worth €110,000 and an €80,000 prize dedicated to the best female-led start-up. This dual-prize system celebrates diversity, innovation, and the influence of talented women in the startup world.

Judging and Scoring: A Fair Evaluation

The crowning of Pitch Black champions will be the result of meticulous evaluations by a distinguished panel of judges and the audience. The judges' assessment carries significant weight, contributing 80% of the final score. This evaluation comprises a comprehensive analysis of the submitted business deck and financials (50%) and an appraisal of the pitch delivered on stage (30%).

The audience's role is equally crucial, contributing 20% to the final score. They have the unique opportunity to pose questions to the participants.

The Start Up Festival

Pitch Black finds its home within the Start Up Festival, an annual gathering that has gained prominence as Malta's premier entrepreneurial event. Organized by Malta Enterprise, the festival has successfully nurtured a national start-up ecosystem for three consecutive years. It serves as a hub of ideas, innovation, and collaboration, uniting visionary minds, local and international businesses, and potential investors.

The festival's third edition, set to take place between the 5th and 6th of October 2023 at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC) and the adjacent park in Ta' Qali, Malta, promises to be even bolder. It will host discussions, encompassing FinTech, Digital Gaming, VR/AR, Metaverse, MedTech, and the Blue Economy.

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