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Startup Challenge

Touch Platform, in collaboration with Axel - Georgian Business Angel Network, and Domino Ventures (with additional VCs to be announced), is announcing a Startup Challenge for all the startup attendees of Touch Summit.

The annual Touch Summit STARTUP CHALLENGE welcomes applications from promising tech startups in the fundraising mode. Only 10 selected startups will gain access to exclusive one-on-one meetings with VC funds. This direct access allows startups to connect with VCs immediately, build interest, and potentially move faster into the due diligence process—a rare chance to skip the usual waiting period and start key conversations sooner.

On the conference’s closing day, 3 finalists will pitch on the main stage in front of a big audience, including VC funds and angel investors from Georgia and from all over the world.

Investment suitability will be fully aligned with the requirements of the involved partner funds, and all investment decisions will be made solely at their discretion. Axel’s Investment Board will assist at the initial stage to select 10 startups based on the criteria provided by the funds.

Early Stage
We are actively seeking teams at pre-seed or (late) seed stage that are already actively fundraising.
Sectors
We are mainly interested in B2B (or B2C) AI/ML software startups across various sectors, including cybersecurity, fintech, infrastructure, synthetic media, and data-heavy technologies.
Actively Fundraising
We welcome startups that are currently in the process of fundraising.
Proven Traction
While innovative ideas are valuable, we place emphasis on concrete evidence that your product or service has garnered genuine customer appreciation.
Impactful
We are particularly interested in startups with the potential to scale globally and make a significant positive impact on the world.
Disclaimer: Winning the Startup Challenge shows your startup is attractive to our partner VCs and investors! However winning does not 100% guarantee funding as, the final decision depends on further research, discussions on deal terms, and due diligence, to ensure the best fit between the startup and the fund. Winning does guarantee a close review of your startup’s suitability for investment, honest feedback, and preparation for due diligence. Due diligence happens after a term sheet is issued, and if all checks are met, the fund has the option to proceed with the investment.

To streamline the process, each selected startup will have individual meetings with VCs before the pitch, allowing for in-depth discussions on terms, the product, and beginning due diligence. Keep in mind that this isn’t an equity-free prize, the commitment level from VCs could be soft or hard, based on mutual interest and progress.

Selection Criteria

GET
STARTUP
TICKET
This is the form for ALL
startups at TOUCH24 that we
distribute to our investors
FILL IN THE
STARTUP
FORM
This is the form for ALL
startups at TOUCH24 that we
distribute to our investors
ONLINE
PITCH
REVIEW
1-on-1 pitch feedback and
selection with investor/experts
for TOUCH CHALLENGE
TOUCH STARTUP CHALLENGE
Offline pitching by industry
tracks on and 3-4 December

What to expect

axel
Mentorship and pitching opportunities at an exclusive event
Investment consideration
acrobat
Mentorship and advisory support for selected startups
acrobat
Investment consideration and acceleration program placement for selected startups
axel
Investment consideration and fast-track due diligence
acrobat
Semi-final spots at Baku ID for 3 teams

Investment consideration and expedited due diligence
acrobat
Semi-final spots for the Startup World Cup Azerbaijan region for 3 selected startups

Investment consideration and fast-track to due diligence for 3 startups

Mentorship from Angel Club’s investment and selection committee
DEADLINE 24 NOV
On December 4, 2024, the top 3 startups will pitch on the Main Stage,
and winners will be announced at the closing ceremony
FORM TO APPLY
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Startup Expo

startup expo
Great opportunity to meet with investors

Startup Expo with an opportunity to meet potential clients, partners, media, and of course investors, as well as recruit new team members.

Startup Alley at TOUCH will be a home for 50+ startups for two conference days.

BOOK YOUR SPOT

Side events

startup expo
AXEL HOSTS: BBQ & NETWORKING

Axel - Georgian Business Angel Network, together with Touch Platform, is organizing an invite-only side-event on December 5, starting from 14:00 (Tbilisi Time) at the Axel meeting space.

This event is all about bringing together international investors and experienced tech professionals. With a mix of angel investors, executives from partner companies, and representatives from foreign VC funds, the event will host around 100-120 invitees, setting the stage for interesting discussions with some of the brightest minds in tech and investment.