The Pitch by Deel, presented by J.P. Morgan Chase, is a global startup competition designed to spotlight high-potential companies at the pre-seed and seed stage. The program is backed by heavyweight partners including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Stripe, and Airwallex, making it one of the most notable open calls currently available to founders seeking scale and visibility.
The competition is open globally and free to enter, positioning itself as a merit-driven platform where execution, clarity of vision, and growth potential matter more than geography.
A fast-track to funding and global visibility
Founders submit a single application and choose their primary region. From there, applications are reviewed by a combination of AI-driven analysis and expert judges who evaluate each startup’s product strength, market opportunity, traction, and team capability.
Top startups move forward to regional finals held in major innovation hubs across the world. Regional winners secure $50,000 in SAFE investment and advance to a global finale, where selected startups compete for up to $1 million in additional funding.
Beyond capital, participating startups gain exposure to Deel’s international network of investors, founders, and partners.
Who should consider applying
This open call targets startups that are already operational and ready to scale. Eligible companies should:
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Have a registered legal entity
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Be building a scalable product or service
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Have full-time founders and team members
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Be at the pre-seed or seed stage with a minimum viable product
What founders can win
Regional champions each receive a $50,000 SAFE investment and a place in the global finale. Finalists at the global stage then compete for larger investments, with up to ten startups securing $1 million each in SAFE funding.
In addition to funding, winners benefit from:
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Global media coverage
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Investor and mentor access
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Networking with leading founders and operators
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Exposure to Deel’s global ecosystem
Key dates and locations
Regional finals will take place across several global cities including Tel Aviv, Dubai, Paris, Berlin, London, Singapore, and New York between March and May. Applications close roughly two weeks before each regional event, and founders can select the region most relevant to them when applying.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the application take?
Most founders can complete the application in under five minutes. Only essential information about your startup and traction is required.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. The competition is completely free to enter with no hidden participation costs.
What stage should my startup be at?
The program is designed for pre-seed and seed-stage startups that already have an MVP and are preparing to scale.
What is the investment structure?
All funding is provided through a SAFE agreement, a common early-stage investment structure used by many global venture investors.
Do founders need to pitch in person?
Yes. Regional finals and the global finale require in-person participation. Finalists must deliver a two-minute live pitch with slides in English.
When will applicants hear back?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Startups that advance will receive notification and next steps by email.
Why you should apply ASAP
Global pitch competitions are common, but few combine meaningful capital, high-profile partners, and worldwide exposure at this scale.
For early-stage startups ready to scale internationally, this is a rare chance to secure both investment and visibility on a global stage.
