What is Startup Idol?

• Startup Idol virtualizes the tech-startup pitch competition
• Like ABC's "Shark Tank" or VC pitch contests, but online, global, & audience-interactive
• Drives traction & exposure for startups with live products

How does it work?

• Uses virtual meeting-room platform for live broadcasts
• "Gamification" system with real prizes drives user engagement, virality
• Global video streaming via Justin.TV

Live WebCasts (All Times are PDT):

Competition Process

Contestants

Qualifications:

• Early-stage companies who have launched an app or a web site within the last 6 months
• Product must have a free version (trial Alpha, Beta or Final) ready to accept users over the Internet or mobile device
• Focus on Web & Mobile App startups
• Passion for getting exposure and users

Benefits:

• Gain traction and publicity for their products, exposure to professional investor Judges, and prizes.(Continue to get traction even when not in live Elimination Rounds)

Contestants Role:

• Setup Public access profile page linked to private "Deal Side" Angel List profile
• Record and upload practice pitches to profile via platform, select one to be voted on
• Get network to support you by voting on your pitch to get attention of Judges & Scouts
• Appear live on internet-broadcast of elimination rounds, conducting "Virtual VC Pitch Session" w/ Judges (~1-2 hrs)
• (Optional) Participate in finalist selection process by evaluating other contestants' initial submissions, & help identify top products

Audience Members

Qualifications:

• Access to the Internet from anywhere
• Interest in learning about new products
• (optional) Passion for early-stage technology

Benefits:

• Audience receives access to our contestants' products for evaluation purposes during the event, gain access to other users to help understand and evaluate the products
• Achieve notoriety among users, gain rewards and win prizes

Audience Role:

• Review contestants' pitches and vote on those you like and would use
• Provide helpful feedback directly to the products developers
• Raise awareness by promoting Startup Idol within your network, bringing in friends to try the products you like
• Finalist selection process by evaluating product, market context, team & business model to identify top products

Judges

Qualifications:

• Professional early-stage investors or serial successful entrepreneurs
• Focus on Web & Mobile App startups
• Passion for helping the startup community

Benefits:

• Judges gain exposure to and reputation with global startup community, publicity for their fund & themselves, deal flow, and prizes

Judges Role:

• Appear live on internet-broadcast of elimination rounds, conducting "virtual VC pitch session" w/ entrepreneurs (~1-2 hrs)
• Critique venture pitches, deliver Q&A, and vote on winners by awarding (play) money proportionally to best plans - as in Shark Tank
• (optional) Participate in finalist selection process by evaluating contestants' initial submissions, & help identify top products

Pitch Scouts

Qualifications:

• Experience in venture capital, strategic work within startups, or entrepreneurship exp.
• Ability to critically evaluate startup pitches
• Passion for early-stage technology ventures

Benefits:

• Scouts receive access to our professional Investor judges, contestants, and gain experience evaluating businesses and products

Pitch Scouts Role:

• Review contestants' pitches and approve for voting those who meet minimum quality level
• Raise awareness by promoting Startup Idol within your network, bringing in new users and suggesting startups as contestants
• Participate in finalist selection process by evaluating product, market context, team & business model to identify top products

Pitch Scout Interest:

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