The main event day is March 11th, with competing startups participating in exclusive activities before and throughout the week. Join us at Startup Mania at the Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 West 18th Street, Austin, TX 78701. The venue has limited parking. Programming runs over 15 hours, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM for Attendee Tickets with Full Access Passes, while the Finals start at 7:00 PM for Community Pass holders, who can only enter from that time. Check out the full agenda here!

Everyone is also welcome to join AI Innovators & Investors Austin by Agora on Friday, March 13 | 3:00–6:00 PM CDT – Experience the intersection of AI, capital, and creativity with AI builders, investors, and storytellers. Enjoy reverse pitches, live demos, awards, and forward-looking conversations on the future of AI + entertainment. RSVP Here!

Any other questions? Email us and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Our friends at Flying with Founders are hosting an amazing Founder House with options for: March 10–12 | March 12–15 | Or the full stay: March 10–15

The Startup Mania Champion will be invited to stay at the Founder House for free.

Starting at $650, you get:

• Shared accommodation in the Cesar Chavez District (near the Startup Mania venue)
• Breakfast & coffee
• At least one group dinner
• Snacks & beverages at the house
• Daily “group think” / workshop session (optional)
• Tons of opportunities for new connections, team bonding, and practical takeaways

Check the attached PDF or reach out directly to Reuben Levinsohn for details: reuben@wa.ventures

We’ve put together a few recommended hotels near the venue in downtown Austin, so you can compare options and pick what works best.

1. citizenM Austin Downtown – Stylish, modern, right in downtown and walkable to most events.
2. Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown – Great choice for both comfort and location.
3. Aloft Austin Downtown – Excellent location near 6th Street and entertainment.
4. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown Capitol – Spacious rooms and good central location.
5. JW Marriott Austin – Higher‑end option close to venues and nightlife.
6. Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown – Classic downtown stay with reliable amenities.

Startup Grind is the leading global startup community dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage companies.

From bootstrapped beginnings to Series A rounds, we support our members with access to funding opportunities, expanded market reach, and connections to a robust network of founders, tech leaders, investors, and partners across 150 countries worldwide. Learn more or visit the Startup Grind Conference page and join us in Silicon Valley on April 27-29.

Startup Mania is Startup Grind’s premier seed and Series A startup competition, where 64 top founders battle it out in a March Madness-style pitch tournament for the Championship Belt and a cash prize. The event also features VC panel sessions, workshops, private lunches, roundtables, after-parties, and a live startup concert.

Austin has emerged as one of the fastest-growing startup hubs in the U.S., with over 40 VC firms and 1,200+ startups calling the city home as of 2025. In the past year alone, Austin saw over $1.8B in funding across 310 deals, positioning it among the top U.S. cities for both deal count and deal value. Key industries driving growth include SaaS ($350M in 50 deals), Fintech ($290M in 35 deals), and Health/MedTech ($220M in 28 deals). The city continues to experience 12–18% year-over-year growth in its startup ecosystem, fueled by an influx of tech talent relocating to the area and attracting investors from across the country.

Austin’s tech scene benefits from its combination of a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, top-tier universities, and major tech company presence. Fintech, SaaS, Gaming, AI, EdTech, and CleanTech are particularly active, making Austin a hotspot for innovation. Startup Mania draws hundreds of startups, investors, and executives to the city each year, providing founders with access to curated dealflow, pitch opportunities, and exclusive networking, solidifying Austin’s position as a key player in the U.S. startup ecosystem.

All startups from around the world are encouraged to apply, no matter their stage, especially if they’re able to attend our event in Austin or are fundraising and want to showcase their companies to top VCs and Accelerators. However, please note that our expert selection panel, made up of 16 renowned VCs, will only select Seed and Series A startups to compete in the event.

Eligibility Criteria to Compete:

• Stage: Seed and Series A
• Location: Must be a USA-based entity or incorporated in the USA
• Sector: Tech-driven and scalable companies

• Application Period: December 1, 2025– February 22, 2026.
• Selection Process: From hundreds of applications, 64 startups will be chosen as at-large selections.
• Finalist Announcement: All selected startups and matchups will be revealed on February 25th, 2026.
• Pre-Event Training: Selected startups will receive a free online pitch training session from Startup Hypeman, and an Investment Readiness session from Golden Circle before the official in-person competition.

Startup Mania is a one-day, high-energy competition where startups pitch in rapid elimination rounds:

Tournament Flow and Format

• 9:00 AM — Round of 64: 1-min pitches
  4 seeded brackets begin the main tournament.
• 11:00 AM — Round of 32: 1-min pitches
  Winners advance in the main bracket.
• 12:00 PM — Consolation Round 1: 1-min pitches
  Teams eliminated in the first round enter 4 mini-brackets (8 startups each).
• 3:00 PM — Super 16: 2-min pitches
  The top 16 compete to advance.
• 4:00 PM — Consolation Round 2: 2-min pitches
  4 consolation finalists compete for 1 finals comeback spot.
• 5:00 PM — Awesome 8: 2-min pitches
  8 semifinalists battle to become the final 4.
• 7:00 PM — Fab 5: 3-min pitches (w/slides + Q&A)
  The 4 finalists + 1 comeback winner pitch in the boxing ring for the championship.
• Championship Belt Winner Announcement: 7:30 PM

VC judges will determine the winner at each stage.

🚀 STARUP MANIA CHAMPION

The 2026 Champion will receive:

• $20,000 scholarship to the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
• Full Scaleup Exhibition Package to the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley (April 27-29, 2026), valued at $5,000.
• $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Startup Mania partners, and organizers.
• Championship Belt powered by CodeLaunch, Improving, MBC, and Agro CO2 Capital.
• Free Contract Review, Recommendations, and Amendments Agreement by Sisu Powerhouse, valued at $5,000.
• Flight with a VC + Invitation to Flying with Founders with Reuben Levinsohn, plus a Founder House retreat invite during SXSW (all valued at $5,000).
• Fundraising Partner Package from Golden Circle — hands-on support to refine pitch, strategy, and investor targeting (valued at $5,000).
• $2,500 travel grant from Delta Air Lines (enroll in SkyMiles for Business with code SM4BOFLD)
• Premium accelerator seats from Peachscore, valued at $5,000 (apply with code STARTUPMANIA35 to receive a $4,635 grant)
• 2 million Standard/RTE minutes from Agora to fuel high-quality live video, audio, and real-time experiences at scale.

🌟 AWESOME 8 FINALISTS

All finalists will receive:

• $10,000 scholarship to enroll in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
• 2x Full-Access Tickets to the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley (April 28-29, 2025), valued at $1,000.
• Chance for 2 startups to advance to the Code Launch World Champion competition in Dallas in November 2026, with a $50,000 cash prize.
• Free Review of One Key Contract (Client Agreement OR Employment/Subcontractor Agreement) by Sisu Powerhouse ($2,500 value).
• 60-minute Fundraising Readiness Diagnostic from Golden Circle — an investor-level deep dive into pitch, metrics, and round positioning, giving founders a clear roadmap to meet investor expectations (valued at $1,000).

🔥 64 CONTENDERS

All selected startups will receive:

• $5,000 scholarship to enroll in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
• 1x Full-Access Ticket to the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley (April 28-29, 2025), valued at $500, plus a Startup Grind Lifetime Membership, among other Startup Pass benefits:
  • 4x Full-Access to Startup Mania + Attend a VC Roundtable
  • 1x Private Lunch + Bring your roll-up banner to display at Startup Mania
  • Feature your startup on our landing, event pages, and digital platforms
  • Join our Startup Mania Alumni Cohort, and Digital Gift Bag with partner credits and offers, Startup Mania After Party admission with Live Concert, and Networking Opportunities
• Free one-on-one strategy session with Eugenia Di Marco (Sisu Powerhouse), a top Silicon Valley tech legal professional now in Miami, helping startups scale with peace of mind ($1,000 value).
• Pre-event Investment Readiness session hosted by Golden Circle to prepare founders for high-impact investor conversations.
• Free access to a Pitch Prep webinar hosted by Startup Hypeman, plus a discounted program package.
• Compete for Austin’s Belt Champion title, with a Scaleup Exhibition Package to the SG Conference ($5,000 value), and a $5,000 Cash Prize

Competing Startups: $299 per startup

• 4x Full access to Startup Mania + VC Roundtables
• Feature your startup on landing & event pages + Alumni Cohort + Bring your roll-up banner
• 1x Private Lunch + Pitch Prep Workshop + Pre-event Investment Readiness session
• Digital Gift Bag, Startup Happy Hour, Concert & After-Party
• 1x Free SG Conference pass ($399 value) + Exhibition upgrade option
• Compete for Austin’s Belt Champion title, a Scaleup Exhibition Package to the SG Conference ($5,000 value), a $5,000 Cash Prize, and more prizes from our partners

Early Bird Tickets: $99 / 7 PM Access: $169 / Regular: $269

• Access to Startup Mania + all competition rounds
• Panel Sessions, Roundtables, WiFi & Coffee Station
• Startup Happy Hour, Concert & After-Party
• Digital Gift Bag, Brand Activations & Exclusive Partner Perks
• 50% OFF code to SG Conference in Silicon Valley ($599 value)
• $2,500 MBC scholarship as a Startup Grind member

🏷️ Or get our secret Team Bundle Pass (5x tickets for $499)

Buy Now

Investor Passes: $199 / Regular: $299

• Full Access to Startup Mania + preferred seating during finals
• Meet top competing startups for 1:1 meetings (arranged on-site)
• Private Lunch with selected startups, judges & speakers
• Tailored dealflow from participating + alumni startups
• Digital Gift Bag, Startup Happy Hour, Concert & After-Party
• Free Investor Pass to SG Conference in Silicon Valley ($999 value)

Buy Now

C-Suite | Executive | Founder VIP Pass: $999

Exclusively for C-Suite, Execs & Series A+ Founders. Includes everything from a Regular Ticket, plus Premium VIP Benefits:

• VIP Fast-Lane Check-In + VIP Lounge & Private Tequila Tasting
• Backstage Access during the Finals + Exclusive Front-Row Seating
• VIP Spotlight: Recap Email Highlight & Mentor Feature on Event Page
• Option to Join a Startup’s Corner as a Visiting Mentor at the Finals
• VIP-Only Roundtable – curated leaders, founders, VCs & partners
• Private Lunch with selected startups, judges & speakers
• High-Value Perks: Free SG Conference Pass ($599 value) & Sponsorship upgrade option + Free Job Post on the Startup Mania Job Board ($999 value) + 50% OFF team tickets.

Buy Now

Featured Partner Pass: $2,999 per Company

• 3x Full Access Passes to Startup Mania
• 10x Community Passes (Finals, Concert, and After Party only)
• Logo on Event Page & Attendee Emails
• Host a Private Lunch for Selected Startups, VCs & Attendees
• Add Your Perk to the Digital Gift Bag
• Social Media Shoutout announcing Partnership
• Digital Gift Bag, Startup Happy Hour, Concert, and After Party
• 3x Free SG Conference Pass ($1,797 value) + Sponsorship upgrade option

Buy Now

For more details on sponsorship opportunities starting at $10,000, feel free to contact Guillermo Vizcaino, Startup Grind’s Global Community Director, at guillermo@startupgrind.com

Yes! Startups from across the U.S. and around the world are welcome to apply. Please note that selected startups are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs to attend the live competition in Austin.

A panel of 16-32 top venture capitalists and industry leaders will judge each round, ultimately crowning the first-ever Startup Mania Champion in Austin.

After an action-packed day, the competition will conclude with an afterparty and a live concert featuring startup rapper RajNATION. This is an incredible opportunity to network with fellow founders, investors, and industry leaders in a fun and relaxed setting.

You’ll also receive an invitation to join the Startup Mania Alumni Cohort, along with a Startup Grind Lifetime Membership, giving you ongoing access to exclusive benefits, discounts, perks, and growth opportunities for your company.

Apply now and compete for the ultimate startup championship title! Deadline: February 22nd, 2026.

Please reach out to Guillermo Vizcaino, Startup Grind’s Global Community Director, at guillermo@startupgrind.com

Volunteering is a unique way to gain behind-the-scenes access to one of the most exciting startup events of the year, meet founders and investors, and contribute to building a vibrant tech community.

• Who can volunteer at Startup Mania? Anyone passionate about startups, tech, and community! We welcome students, founders, professionals, and creatives who want to help make the event a success.
• What roles are available for volunteers? Volunteers can help with registration, guiding attendees, stage support, networking sessions, workshop assistance, and social media coverage.
• When do volunteers need to be available? Startup Mania runs March 11, with activities starting at 8:00 AM and continuing until 11:00 PM for full-access attendees. Some roles may also require helping before the main event during setup and prep.
• What do volunteers get in return?
  • A behind-the-scenes experience at Startup Mania
  • Networking opportunities with founders, investors, and industry leaders
  • Volunteer swag and recognition at the event
  • Access to certain sessions or activities depending on role
• How do I sign up to volunteer? Fill out our volunteer application form, and our team will follow up with next steps. Spaces are limited, so sign up early!