Digital DNA's annual start-up pitch event, upSTART is moving to its own standalone virtual event on 25 November.
As well as video pitches from a number of high potential start-ups, the event will also host a range of roundtables, panel discussions and talks for anyone working in the startup community.
Now in its fifth year, Digital DNA upSTART was created to identify, showcase and reward tech start-ups that have the potential to become high-impact businesses and previous winners have come from Dubai, London, Dublin and Belfast.
With start-ups no longer able to meet investors face-to-face or attend start-up pitch events, organisers were keen to create something that goes beyond a standard pitch deck or even a Zoom meeting and would enable founders to get in front of potential investors much easier in the current environment.
The team at Digital DNA will be using a new platform that will allow founders to create an interactive “PitchTape” – an online video pitch profile.
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Participating upSTART founders and their teams will have the opportunity to create a five-minute PitchTape for investors and the judges, using the upStart platform's step-by-step guide.
This walks founders and their teams through the video recording process, which has been tailored for raising capital from angel and VC investors.
This year’s virtual event is open to tech start-ups less than three years old, that have raised less than £1m.
Start-ups have until 23 November to submit their ‘pitchtape’ to the private Digital DNA upSTART portal for judges and investors to review.
Up to 25 start-ups will then be selected to showcase at the event on 25 November.
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Investors will also be given access to a private online portal, for them to select and watch the tech start-ups that match their particular criteria.
Simon Bailie, CEO at Digital DNA explained his vision for the 2020 format: “Over the past five years upStart has grown in popularity and we were keen to ensure we continued to promote entrepreneurship as part of the wider Digital DNA programme.
"This year is like no other and one of the biggest challenges facing startups is the ability to get face to face with potential investors. Our new platform will allow startups to hone their video pitch skills, create a personalised PitchTape that they can share with investors and ultimately get in front of a wider pool of investment opportunities.”
This year’s event is supported by Raise Ventures, Tughans and Belfast City Council and participating start-ups will also be able to attend various talks, workshops and masterclasses at Digital DNA 2020 which is taking place on 10 and 11 November.
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Source: Written from press release
