Pitch Battles
Everything you need to knowJune 19 & 20, 2025 · NDSM, Amsterdam
Skyrocket your startup's success
TNW's Pitch Battle is your chance to gain unparalleled visibility and make your mark at Europe's leading tech festival!
This is your moment to shine in front of investors, industry leaders, and potential customers. Keep reading about the Pitch Battles below for more information, or if you're ready to apply, hit the link below.
What’s at stake?
- Build Your Brand: Deliver a 3-minute onstage pitch, get featured on our content agenda, and showcase your startup at TNW Conference 2025.
- Gain Traction: Showcase your company, leadership and market potential to attract investors and talent who are looking for standouts from the Conference.
- Win Big: Win a free pod at next year’s event, a year’s subscription to the Financial Times, and a company spotlight on TNW Media.
And that’s not all!
Join the ranks of our Pitch Battle legends like ExoMatter, Whispp, SeaO2, Hyfindr, Dayrize, Nostics, Enliven, Cardiomo, Crowmie and uPledge, and solidify your spot in TNW history.
Don’t miss out—this is your chance to turn your vision into reality at TNW 2025!
How does it work
May 9: Application Deadline ➡️
Apply for the startup pitch competition by joining the 2025 Startup Program and filling in an application form on this page.
May 19: Selection ➡️
Our judges will review all applications and create a shortlist of 20 startups to compete onsite at TNW Conference. If you have been selected, you will be contacted at this stage
June 19&20: Pitch Battle ➡️
Shortlisted contestants will face each other live with a 3-minute pitch battle in preliminary rounds. This will determine who is moving to the grand final.
June 20: Final 🏆
Pitch your startup on Vision (Main Stage) in front of investors and industry leaders.
David Beckett
Pitch Coach, Best3Minutes
A great pitch can be a turning point in your life. TNW is a place to step back - consider how you are pitching your ideas - and take that story to the next level.
Pitch Battle FAQs
What is the TNW Conference Pitch Battle?
Who is allowed to apply for the Pitch Battle?
How do I apply for the Pitch Battle?
Can I change or update my pitch deck?
How will the contestants, semi finalists and finalists be selected?
Who are the judges?
What is the prize?
What deadlines do I need to keep in mind?
Meet last year's winner
Meet TNW Conference’s 2024 Pitch Battle winner! We spoke with the winner of TNW 2024’s Startup Pitch Battle, Barbara Bachus, COO and co-founder of Exomatter, to find out how she prepared for the big win and what advice she would give future competitors who feel their product may be too complex to win a pitch battle.