PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE

Welcome to Startup Catalyst! This one-day experience will help you refine your venture, pitch your idea, receive expert feedback, and connect with mentors and potential funders. This is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for growth.

🎯 PITCH EXPECTATIONS

You must prepare TWO versions of your pitch:

1️⃣ Round 1 – 5-Minute Lightning Pitch (with 3–7 Slides)

• Purpose: Make a clear and compelling first impression to judges.

• Slides should be minimal, clean, and visual.

Recommended Slides:

• Title Slide: Team name, tagline

• Problem: Clearly define the pain point you are solving

• Solution: How your product/service addresses the problem

• Market Opportunity: Customer insights and market potential

• Traction or Vision: Early results, partnerships, or future plans

✅ Tips:

• Practice to fit within the time limit.

• Use slides as visual support—not text-heavy content.

• Focus on clarity, energy, and potential.

2️⃣ Round 2 – 7-Minute Investor Pitch (Finalists Only)

• Purpose: Showcase your full venture to investors and business leaders.

• Slides should be structured, professional, and include data.

Recommended Slides:

• Title Slide: Venture name, team, and date

• Problem: Define the market pain point

• Solution: Your product or service and its impact

• Market Research: Key insights and validation

• Validation/Testing: Results from customer interviews or testing

• Product Demo: Showcase key features or prototypes

• Business Model: How you will generate revenue

• Marketing & Sales Strategy: Customer acquisition plan

• Competitive Analysis: Differentiators and market positioning

• Financial Projections: Key numbers and funding needs

• Team: Highlight experience and strengths

• Timeline & Milestones: Development and growth plan

• Conclusion/Ask: Wrap up with a compelling call to action

💡 Supplemental Slides (15–30) for Q&A:

• Financials, market validation, operations, competitive landscape, and growth plan.

💼 PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

“Communication is not about the project; communication IS the project.”

You are expected to:

• Use correct grammar and spelling.

• Present with confidence and professionalism.

• Treat the deck like a business proposal—clean formatting, no typos.

• Stay on time, on message, and engage your audience.

🏅 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Finalists will be eligible for awards such as:

• “Most Original Idea” – For a truly unique or unexpected concept.

• “Biggest Problem Solver” – Tackles a complex or urgent challenge.

• “Best Tagline or Hook” – A standout one-liner or value prop.

• “Power Team Award” – Great chemistry, collaboration, and roles.

• “Crowd Energizer” – Most lively, engaging, or memorable presence.