Investment
Pitch

Eligibility for Early Stage Pitches

Please carefully read and understand the following terms and conditions (“Terms”) before participating in the GFF early-stage investment pitch competition (“Competition”). By submitting your application and participating in the Competition, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.

1. What is the early-stage pitch competition at GFF 2023?

This is a platform for fintech founders / aspiring entrepreneurs to come and pitch their disruptive & innovative solutions. The genesis of the program is to help raise funds for founders and simultaneously provide access to a global audience, investors, industry leaders, and potential customers.

2. Who can apply?

• Participants may be from any country, provided they comply with their local laws and regulations.
• This competition is targeted at up to pre-series A fintech startups across geographies.
• Inviting builders and fintech operators globally who have had rich experience in high-growth startups/corporates and ideating on single or multiple problem statements. This program is ideally meant for working professionals with 3+ years of experience in high-growth startups/ corporates - Could be currently working or on notice or sabbatical and have an idea tinkering that they would love to pursue as an entrepreneur.

3. Do I need an idea to apply for the competition?

Yes, an idea that you are passionate about and feel that either be an innovative solution to an existing problem or a disruptor.

4. What is the application process?

• Participants must submit a complete and accurate application form along with any additional required documents by the specified deadline.
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• The organizers reserve the right to disqualify incomplete, late, or inappropriate applications.
• You can click on the link here to apply, only fully completed applications shall be considered. There is a one-time non-refundable application fee of INR 15,000/- as the last step of your application submission process. Once you successfully complete the form and payment, you shall receive a confirmation email on your application process.

5. What is the shortlisting process?

• Based on initial application submissions and internally defined parameters, a panel of industry experts and fintech leaders shall shortlist some ideas/pitches for a virtual pitch session.
• Selected applicants shall be communicated on registered email IDs with all necessary details by 31st July 2023.
• Virtual pitches to be held online between 1st -10th August 2023.
• Finalists to be communicated by 18th August 2023.
• Selected finalists from the virtual pitches will have the chance to present their ideas at the Global Fintech Festival 2023 stage live to a global audience between 5-7th September 2023.
• Please note that the judge’s decision is final and binding across all stages. The organizers reserve the right to modify the structure, judging process, or prize distribution at their discretion.

6. What are the rules regarding the Final Pitch Presentation held between 5-7th September 2023?

• Participants selected to advance to the pitching round will be notified by the organizers.
• Each participant/team will be given a specified time to present their pitch, including a Q&A session.
• Participants must present their pitch in English.
• Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses associated with attending the pitch event.

7. Who are the potential investors?

We have partnered with leading venture capital firms including White Venture Capital, 100X VC, Venture Catalyst, Jito, and angel investors including XXXXX. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change.

8. What are the event highlights?

All successful applicants get an opportunity to interact and liaison with conference experts and guests via fireside chats, addresses, etc. There are additional perks and not limited to access to research: tailwinds, headwinds, upcoming business models, etc. Incrementally, the finalists of the event get a chance to pitch on stage, have founder-investor discussions post-presentation, and get additional visibility on the GFF website, expo participation, etc.

9. What is the commitment that the potential investors are looking for from the Founders / Team?

For the ideas that are selected as winners on the early-stage pitches, the founding members are expected to quit their current jobs and build the startups full-time. The investment and disbursement of funds will be on condition on the founding team be effectively full time and other necessary due diligence deemed fit by the Partner Investors.

10. What’s the role of Global Fintech Festival event organizers in this competition?

We are an enabler to provide a platform for founders and teams to pitch their ideas/startups and have no direct role in shortlisting or deciding winners of the event. Incrementally, GFF 2023 assumes no responsibility whatsoever for startups to receive investment, the decision lies with the Partner Investor(s) subject to their own due diligence processes.

11. Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?

Send us an email at kalyan@fintechcouncil.in and we’ll get back to you shortly!

12. Confidentiality:

a. The organizers will take reasonable measures to ensure the confidentiality of the participants' pitch materials.
b. However, the organizers cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality and shall not be liable for any unauthorized disclosure of participants' information.

13. Disqualification and Termination:

a. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant who violates these Terms or engages in any unfair or unethical practices.
b. The organizers reserve the right to cancel, terminate, or suspend the Competition for any reason.

14. Liability:

a. Participants agree to participate in the Competition at their own risk.
b. The organizers, sponsors, and judges shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from participation in the Competition or the use of any prize.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction:

a. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Jurisdiction].
b. Any disputes arising from or in connection with the Competition shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Jurisdiction].

By participating in the Competition, you agree to comply with these Terms. The organizers reserve the right to update or modify these Terms without prior notice. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically regarding any changes.