Pitch Black, a pitching competition held during the Start Up Festival, returns this October, bringing some of the best startups in Europe to compete for a prize up to €350,000.

The  “no frills format” promised by Pitch Black sees entrepreneurs take the stage to present their ideas to a panel of experts. Participants have just a few minutes to make a powerful impression, showcase their vision, business model, and potential impact. 

It’s an opportunity for start-ups to gain visibility, receive invaluable feedback, compete for support and recognition within Malta’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

A total of 14 companies will pitch their ideas - seven pitches per category - between pre-seed and seed. The Final will take place during the last day of the festival (24th October), which will see a total of eight pitches – four pitches per category.

In this festival pre-seed companies are defined having raised less than or equal to €300,000 and who have been established for not more than five years. Seed companies are defined as companies who have raised more than €300,000 and have been established for not more than seven years.

Applications close on 17th July. Selection to top seven finalists in each category will be done by 12th September, ahead of the pitching semi-finals on 22nd October. 

There are two loaded prizes to get, one for pre-seed and seed companies. 

For pre-seed companies, the prize is €125,000 venture capital investment through Malta Venture Fund, while seed companies can enjoy a prize of €300,000. 

Both prize winners will also receive 2 hot desks at Soho Malta, 2 entry tickets to the EU Start-ups Summit, legal services, recruitment services, mentorship, marketing and branding amongst other valuable prizes. 

The festival is organised by Malta Enterprise, and include sponsoring by EU-Startups Summit, Guide De Marco Advocates, Soho, Castille, Residency Malta and Supercharger Ventures. 

During the past years, Malta Enterprise, has increased its efforts to attract start-ups, whilst also supporting the scaling of established ventures. It is for that reason that that Malta Enterprise launched the first edition of the Start-Up Festival Malta, back in 2021, and reintroduces Pitch Black for its second edition.

To find the full list of international mentors, judges and terms and conditions, check out the website here.