Global Startup Pitch 2025

The Global Startup Pitch, by WiT, Phocuswright and PhocusWire and supported by American Express Global Business Travel, is back for the fourth year running in its quest to unearth the brightest stars on the gleaming edge of travel tech. On June 10 seedups and scaleup companies will pitch live to a savvy audience at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona, Spain.

What is Global Startup Pitch?

Global Startup Pitch aims to bring innovative seedups and scaleups to the industry's attention, while giving them opportunities to meet with travel’s most active investors, influential mentors and potential partners.

Uncovering innovation from four regions

A prestigious panel of judges from the industry’s investment and innovation community will screen applicants and choose 16 startups to compete at the finals on stage at Phocuswright Europe, and will ultimately choose the winning pitches from four regions:

• Asia/Pacific
• Middle East/Africa
• Europe
• The Americas

Each region will feature two seedup and two scaleup companies:

• Seedups: less than 3 years old and under $5 million in funding
• Scaleups: 3-8 years old and under $10 million in funding

Demonstrator benefits

Global Startup Pitch provides the opportunity to pitch in front of Europe's biggest investors, savviest executives and discerning audience. Each applicant will be screened by a panel of judges from the industry's investment and innovation community, with 16 making the cut to pitch at Phocuswright Europe.

All contestants of Global Startup Pitch receive:

• One complimentary ticket to Phocuswright Europe
• Live demonstration on Phocuswright Europe's Startup Stage on 10 June (5 minutes + 2.5 minutes Q&A with judges)
• The opportunity to win a slot at the WiT Singapore Showcase, October 6-8, 2025
• The opportunity to win a People's Choice Award at WiT Singapore, leading to an on-stage pitch at The Phocuswright Conference, November 18-20, 2025 in San Diego.
• Pitch guidance from esteemed judges before Global Startup Pitch

Global Startup Pitch awards

• One seedup and one scaleup winner from each region of Global Startup Pitch
• Two People's Choice Winners at WiT Singapore Showcase

The deadline to apply is April 15.