Sponsored by:

     

Merge is hosting a Startup Contest that will provide startups with a unique opportunity to showcase their value propositions to an international jury of leading protocols and venture capital firms.

The contest is open to startups from all over the world that are developing innovative Web3 and blockchain solutions. Startups can apply to compete in the contest by submitting a pitch deck that outlines their companys vision, mission, and value proposition.

The contest will be held in two phases. In the first phase, startups will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on their pitch decks. The top 20 startups will be invited to participate in the second phase, which will be a live pitch competition. The live pitch competition will be held at Merges flagship event in Madrid, Spain. The top three startups will receive prizes, including cash, mentorship, and access to investors.

Jury members:

Timeline:

Awards:

Growth:

For startups that make it to the finals on the 26th:

• 3 free Growth memberships (Season 4) - access to coworking and events from April to August.
• Pitch in front of investors, mentors, and the community.
• Recording and dissemination of the pitch on Growth\'s platforms.
• Exclusive speed-dating session with key investors.
• Priority access to Growth\'s mentorship programs.
• Special recognition as one of the standout startups of the cohort.

Globant Ventures:

For the founders of the winning startup, mentorship with Agustín Ferrari from Globant Ventures.

Odisea Labs:

Personalized advisory from Odisea Labs for the founder of the winning startup.

Outlier Ventures:

For the winning startup, a Fast Track in the investment process of Outlier Ventures, with the possibility of pitching to the investment committee and accessing up to $150K in investment and an acceleration program.

The Startup CFO:

For two founders of the winning startup, 2 spots in the Startup Finance course from The Startup CFO.

Merge:

Bronze Sponsor for the winning startup at MERGE Madrid 2025.

UNCUYO Incubator:

Package of 2 personalized online mentoring sessions for the founders of the winning Startup (1st for reviewing the business model and value proposition) (2nd a specialized one to address any topic they wish to resolve with an expert).

Scytale Digital:

For the winning Startup: Participate in the accelerator sessions that will take place starting April 7th for 10 weeks.

NovoLabs Startup School:

1-hour mentoring session with Tomás Volonté (CEO & Co-Founder of Novolabs) or Damián Sánchez (CPO & Co-Founder of Novolabs and former Operations Manager at Iguanafix).

Zefyron:

Free access to the platform for the winning startup.

Rayo Capital:

The selected startups will receive a fast track for exclusive interviews at:
- Buildathon (April 2025): For teams in the Idea/MVP stage.
- Hacker House at Consensus Toronto or Devconnect Argentina: For post-MVP teams with product and traction.

Newtopia:

2 mentoring sessions of 1 hour each for the winning startup.

Unicoin:

A Private Masterclass with German Montoya (topic to choose: fundraising, strategy, growth, etc., based on the winner's needs) + Prize in Unicoins worth $10K.

If you are a Startup participating in our Contest, you can get our Startup Pack at reduced price. Only 50 units available.

What is included?

• 2 Pro Tickets to the event
• 2m² the Startups exhibition area of the event
• Counter, table and 2 stool