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 Miami’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 – 31, 2025.
• 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 1st, 2026.
• Pre-Event Training: Selected startups will receive a free online pitch training session from Startup Hypeman before the official in-person competition.

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

• Round of 64: 1-minute pitches (no slides) | 9 AM
• Round of 32: 1-minute pitches (no slides) | 11 AM
• Super 16: 2-minute pitches (no slides) | 3 PM
• Awesome 8: 2-minute pitches (no slides) | 4 PM
• Fab 5: 3-minute pitches (w/slides + Q&A) | 6 pm
• Championship Belt Winner Announcement: 7 pm

VC judges will determine the winner at each stage.

🚀 CHAMPION

• The Startup Mania Championship Belt
• Full Scaleup Exhibition Package at the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley ($5,000 value), plus a $5,000 Cash Prize
• FREE full contract review, recommendations, and amendments of both your Client Agreement and Employment/Subcontractor Agreement by Eugenia Di Marco of Sisu Powerhouse ($5,000 value)
• And we’re just getting started—more partner prizes dropping soon!

🌟 AWESOME 8 FINALISTS

• 2x Full-Access Tickets to Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley ($800 value)
• FREE full contract review, recommendations, and amendments of one key contract (Client Agreement OR Employment/Subcontractor Agreement) by Eugenia Di Marco of Sisu Powerhouse ($2,500 value)

🔥 64 CONTENDERS

• 3x Full-Access to Startup Mania + Attend a VC Roundtable
• 1x Private Lunch + Pitch Prep Workshop + 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
• 1x Full-Access Ticket to Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley ($400 value)
• FREE one-on-one strategy session with Eugenia Di Marco (Sisu Power House), a top Silicon Valley tech legal professional now in Miami, helping startups scale with peace of mind ($1,000 value)
• Two startups will be selected by CodeLaunch President Jason Taylor to advance to the World Champion competition in Dallas in November 2026, with a $50,000 cash prize
• 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

• 3x Full access to Startup Mania + VC Roundtables
• Feature your startup on landing & event pages + Alumni Cohort
• 1x Private Lunch + Pitch Prep Workshop + Bring your roll-up banner
• 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) and a $5,000 Cash Prize

Early Bird Tickets: $99 | Regular Tickets: $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 ($399 value)

Early Bird Investor Pass: $199 | Regular Pass: $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
• $99 discounted investor pass to SG Conference in Silicon Valley ($899 value)

Early Bird Featured Partner Pass: $2,999 per company | Regular Pass: $3,999

• 3x Full Access Passes to Startup Mania
• 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 ($1,197 value) + Sponsorship upgrade option

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 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: December 31st, 2025.

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