Pitch Competition
applications open
CONCEPT
Calling all Europe-based startups building solutions that combine competitiveness with purpose. At the Startup Guide Summit, Meaningful Entrepreneurship and Impact Shakers join forces to host a pitching competition spotlighting the next generation of founders who are shaping business as a force for impact.
The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
We are selecting 10 early-stage startups from across Europe to pitch live at the Summit. Each team will have the chance to showcase their innovation in front of founders, investors, and policymakers — and compete for recognition as one of Europe’s most promising new ventures.
What we’re looking for
01
Startups headquartered in Europe & UK
02
Early-stage (pre-seed or seed)
03
Strong focus on innovation and scalability
04
Embedding purpose, sustainability, or inclusion into the business model
What you get
A feature in Startup Guide Europe
The winning team will be featured in Startup Guide Europe and promoted through the Startup Guide, Meaningful Entrepreneurship, and Impact Shakers platforms.
Access to Key Players
Access to mentors and investors from the summit network.
Visibility
Visibility in front of policymakers, media, and Europe’s startup ecosystem.
2-month Mentorship Program
Spot on the Meaningful Entrepreneurship 2-month Mentorship Program
10 startups selected
5-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A with jury
Winner announced on the Mainstage
Deadline: 17 October 2025
Applications are now open!
HOSTs
Impact Shakers is a global impact ecosystem tackling societal and environmental challenges through inclusive entrepreneurship. Impact Shakers mission is to create impact at scale by evolving how we build businesses, for what purpose and who gets to build them.
Meaningful Entrepreneurship is an initiative exploring how alternative storytelling, education, and resources can better support emerging founders and the futures they aim to shape. Co-developed by the team behind Startup Guide.
