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That is exactly the problem The Pitch by Deel is designed to solve. Launched as a global startup tournament, the program gives early-stage founders a clear path to compete for $50,000 regional investments and up to $1,000,000 at the global level, based purely on merit.
For founders, this is a chance to access meaningful capital and visibility. For partners and affiliates, it is also an opportunity to help great teams get discovered while earning rewards for sharing the program responsibly.
What is The Pitch by Deel? 🎤
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The Pitch by Deel is a global startup competition created and run by Deel, Inc., presented by J.P. Morgan and supported by a group of well-known partners (including firms like a16z, Google, and Stripe). The programme's aim is to find and give money to the best teams in the very early stages of development, no matter where they are in the world or who their investors are.
Here's a short explanation of why the tournament exists: it's designed to help people who start businesses early on by giving them a simple way to compete for real investment money and global exposure.
At its core, the program is built around three simple ideas:
- 🌐 Borderless access - founders can apply from anywhere
- ⚖️ Merit-based selection - ideas and execution matter more than location or hype
- 💰 Real investment capital - not grants or credits, but actual funding
Applications are open to early-stage companies that are ready to present their business clearly, demonstrate early traction or strong potential, and compete on a global stage.
How much can startups actually win? 💵
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One of the best things about The Pitch by Deel is that it's clear how much you can win. This isn't vague marketing the program publishes specific amounts, selection stages, and the type of investment offered. This clarity helps founders decide whether to invest time in an application and how to plan if they advance.
Investment breakdown
- Regional stage:
- Up to 100 startups are selected as regional winners
- Each receives $50,000 in investment capital
- Global finale:
- Regional winners advance to a global competition
- Up to 10 startups may receive investments of up to $1,000,000 each
In total, Deel and its partners are committing up to $15M to support the next generation of founders.
This means a startup could secure:
- $50K to validate traction and extend runway, and
- Up to $1M to scale globally after proving itself on the world stage
How the competition works 🧭
The Pitch by Deel is structured as a multi-stage global tournament, designed to balance accessibility with rigor. Instead of a single pitch day or a closed-door investor review, the program combines an open online application with progressive, in-person pitch rounds. This approach allows strong teams from any geography to be discovered early, while still applying high standards as the competition advances.
At the start, the most important things are clarity and potential. Founders are not expected to have everything figured out, but they are expected to clearly explain the problem they are solving, why their solution is important, and how their company could grow. As teams move forward, the evaluation gets more difficult. It focuses on how well teams execute their plays, how well they can get things done, and how they perform under real-world pitching conditions.
The most important thing is that the competition is designed to be easy for people who are starting out. The application process is short, the stages are clearly explained, and participants know in advance what each round requires. This makes it easier for founders to decide how much time and preparation to invest at every step.
Step-by-step flow
Apply online
- Founders submit a short application and pitch
- The process typically takes only a few minutes
- Applications are reviewed using a combination of technology and expert evaluation
- Top startups are invited to regional finals
- Selected teams pitch live in key global hubs
- Regional winners receive $50K and advance
- The strongest teams compete for the largest investments
- Final winners may secure up to $1M in funding
Investments are structured using standard early-stage instruments such as SAFEs. Founders are encouraged to review the terms carefully before participating.
Why this is a game-changer for borderless startups ⚡
For founders building across borders, The Pitch by Deel offers advantages that go beyond the headline numbers.
1. Meaningful capital at the right stage
A $50K investment can help a seed-stage startup extend runway, ship faster, or validate a go-to-market strategy. A $1M investment can unlock hiring, expansion, and serious growth. These are not symbolic prizes—they are practical tools for scaling.
2. Global visibility without gatekeepers
Pitching on an international stage gives founders exposure to investors, operators, and partners they might never reach through local networks alone.
3. Value even if you don’t win
All applicants gain access to founder perks, partner benefits, and community resources. That means participating still delivers upside, even if a startup does not take home an investment.
How founders should prepare before applying 📝
The application process for The Pitch by Deel is short, but getting ready can make a big difference to a founder's chances of moving forward. This is not just an online form, it is the first step in a global competition where the best candidates will be chosen.
Founders should approach the application as they would a real investor introduction. The goal is not to oversell, but to communicate clearly: what problem you are solving, why it matters now, and why your team can build a business that can grow. Judges and reviewers will be comparing hundreds (or thousands) of startups, so it's more important to be clear and focused than complicated.
Preparation also helps founders make better decisions. If teams understand how the pitch works, how the investment is structured, and what is expected of them, they can decide whether this opportunity is right for them, their current stage, their fundraising plans, and their growth timeline.
Below is a practical guide to help founders prepare effectively before submitting an application.
1. Clarify your core narrative
Before applying, founders should be able to explain their startup in simple terms—without jargon.
Ask yourself:
- What specific problem are we solving?
- Who experiences this problem most acutely?
- Why is our solution meaningfully better than existing alternatives?
If you cannot explain this clearly in a few sentences, refine your narrative before applying.
2. Show evidence of progress or strong potential
While traction is not mandatory, signals of execution matter.
Useful examples include:
- Early users or customers
- Revenue, pilots, or waitlists
- Strong user growth or engagement metrics
- Clear validation from credible partners or advisors
If you are pre-revenue, focus on why your approach is defensible and how you plan to reach your first meaningful milestone.
3. Prepare a concise pitch (2 minutes)
Later stages of the competition require live pitching, so it helps to prepare early.
Your pitch should clearly cover:
- The problem
- Your solution
- Target market
- Traction or progress so far
- Why your team is uniquely positioned to win
Avoid packing too much detail. A focused, confident pitch is more effective than a dense one.
4. Understand the investment structure
The Pitch by Deel awards investments using standard early-stage instruments (such as SAFEs).
Before applying:
- Review the program’s terms
- Make sure your cap table is clean and up to date
- Ensure your co-founders are aligned on fundraising expectations
This preparation helps you move quickly if selected and avoids delays later.
5. Be ready for live participation
Regional finals and the Global Finale involve in-person pitching.
Founders should consider:
- Availability to travel if selected
- Ability to pitch confidently in English
- Preparation for Q&A from experienced judges and operators
Being operationally ready signals professionalism and commitment.
Quick preparation checklist (summary)
- Clearly defined problem and solution
- Evidence of traction or strong execution signals
- A practiced 2-minute pitch
- Familiarity with SAFE-style investments
- Readiness for live, in-person pitching
Visual suggestion: A simple “Founder Readiness Checklist” graphic that founders can scan before applying.
Final thoughts: why now is the right time to act 🎯
The Pitch by Deel represents a rare combination of global access, real capital, and merit-based selection. For borderless startups, it removes many of the traditional barriers to early funding.
If you are a founder, applying takes only minutes and could unlock life-changing opportunities. If you are a partner or affiliate, sharing this program is a practical way to support your community while earning rewards.
Apply, share, and help the best ideas win.
or Sign Up here : https://get.deel.com/jaiupbokc9um
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