Chicago’s SeedCon startup event organized by the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago has officially opened applications for its signature fast-pitch event this week. Entrepreneurs can submit their big idea on Built in Chicago beginning this week through November 2nd for a chance to win $60,000 in startup-friendly prizes.
The contest is looking to give early-stage startups the chance to pitch to a panel of judges, who will provide founders with valuable feedback, even if they don’t end up walking away with a partion of the prizes. The SeedCon Fast Pitch is accepting any company that has not received institutional funding, or backing from friends and family in excess of $10,000. During the proceedings, startups will be given four minutes to pitch their idea, followed by six minutes of Q&A.
The competition is just one part of a two day event will include speakers, panels, and workshops focusing on entrepreneurship and venture capital. Some big Chicago founders will be in attendance at the November 15-16th event, including Braintree’s Bryan Johnson, Matt Maloney of GrubHub, Excelerate Labs’ Troy Henikoff, and Neal Sales-Griffin of The Starter League, to name only a few. The first day, which will take place at the Chicago Booth Gleacher Center, is focused primarily around the Fast Pitch competition. Day two will take place at Venue SIX10 and feature the majority of speakers and panels.
Startups interested in taking part in the Fast Pitch competition will have to submit an online application and create a Built in Chicago blog detailing their idea to the community. Companies additionally have the option to create a two minute pitch video on YouTube. The startup with the most “likes” will automatically be given one of the six spots available in the Fast Pitch Competition, while the other five will be selected by a panel of judges.
Visit the SeedCon website to find out more about the two day event beginning November 16th. Entrepreneurs, it’s time to get your quickest pitches ready!
