The Startup Club ZA has announced the launch of The Big Pitch 2025, pitching a $1 million (R18 million) startup event. This competition will provide a significant investment opportunity for South African startups.
“Over the next six months, twenty of South Africa’s most promising startups will compete live on stage for an unprecedented investment in their business—subject to due diligence and terms—alongside invaluable media exposure and access to top-tier partners,” said The Startup Club ZA.
The competition will unfold in several key phases:
- Regional Qualifiers: Ten startups will compete in two regional qualifiers. The first will take place in Johannesburg in April, and the second in Cape Town, scheduled for August.
- The Finale: The top five startups from each qualifier will advance to The Grand Finale. This final event will be held at the South African Future Trust Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.
Mathew Marsden, founder of Startup Club ZA, emphasized the event’s broader mission. “Core to our mission is spotlighting the exceptional startups, founders, and solutions that are emerging across South Africa. The Big Pitch 2025 is more than just a pitch event for significant investment—it’s a platform to showcase our country’s most promising tech entrepreneurs and uncover the immense untapped potential within our innovation ecosystem.”
To qualify, businesses must demonstrate disruptive innovation, commercial scalability, and the ability to solve significant problems using technology. While the event is focused on South African startups, those from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the application criteria. Applications for the first qualifier in Johannesburg close on April 8, 2025.
Interested applicants can find full eligibility requirements, FAQs, and application details on The Startup Club ZA website: https://startupclubza.com/big-pitch
