Got a BIG Idea?
Prove it in 30 Days
Got a big idea — but one key assumption standing in your way?
Apply now to the most personalized FUNding competition you'll ever enter. Win cash, expert support, and the resources to test your next big move in just 30 days.
Got a Bold Idea? Let's Go!
This competition is built for founders who want to prove it before they build it. The winner will be awarded up to $2,500 and resources to grow their venture.
How this works:
1. Submit your application
• Identify your riskiest assumption
• Tell us how you'd test it
• List the exact resources you need
• Upload a 2 min. video
2. We will select 10 finalists and offer them a custom package of resources tailored to their biggest unknown. The result? You walk into the finals not just pitching your idea, but running a real-world experiment with your riskiest assumption already in motion.
3. Finalists will pitch to a panel of esteemed judges, including innovation expert David Bland, customer-driven cyber security expert Matt Fante, and ecosystem builder Kate Mereand, as well as a select group of investors, industry leaders, and seasoned entrepreneurs.
4. The winner will receive funding and resources to accelerate their venture’s growth.
Have questions before you apply? Sign-up for the informational session
Why Enter the FUNding Competition
Opportunity to Get Funds
Participate in the competition for a chance to win up to $2,500 to build momentum and drive real business action.
Market Evidence in 30 Days
Accelerate progress with all resources needed and mentoring to test riskiest market assumption in 30 days.
High Impact Connections
Build lasting relationships with potential investors, entrepreneurs, and mentors to enable meaningful growth
This is your Launchpad. Ready to Enter?
How to Become a Finalist
Step 1:
Complete the Application Form by July 10, 2025. You need ~60 min. to fill it out and create a video (see step 2)
Step 2:
Upload a video to Bluesky or Linkedin by July 10, 2025
Finalists will be announced on July 17th
Finalists will run real-world experiments using provided resources, including Moves The Needle’s proven Rapid Experimentation Tools for testing assumptions, David Bland’s book Testing Business Ideas, and Brant Cooper’s Entrepreneur’s Guide to Customer Development. They will also be assigned a dedicated advisor.
Advisors include Luis Guerra Alvarado, Tyrome Smith, Michael Ryan Norton, Earl Coleman, Ozan Sonmez, Kaushal Chokshi, Craig Elias, Brandy Old, and other experts.
Final pitch event will be held on August 7, 2025
Applicants selected for the final pitch will receive details of resources awarded, and next steps to prepare for the final pitch. Final pitches will be judged by a panel of investors, serial entrepreneurs, and industry experts.
The winner of the final pitch will be awarded up to $2,500 and resources to grow their venture.
