Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup
INFORMATION packet
OVERVIEW
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs is hosting the Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup, the first-of-its-kind global competition bringing together alumni founders from all 13 schools.
Twelve startups will be selected through a rigorous process to pitch live in Boston on September 12th, with one advancing to represent Harvard at the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco, and the opportunity to win a $1M investment.
Pitch to a packed room of 350+ founders, investors, and innovation leaders shaping what’s next in tech, business, and beyond.
Website link: www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup
Applications Closed.
Global Startup World Cup FAQ’s (including $1M prize conditions)
For more information: startupworldcup@harvardae.org
Information Decks
About Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup Backgrounder (applicant)
Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup Sponsor Opportunities
Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup Supporter Opportunities
Besides sponsor support we offer an additional donor opportunity. see below. Donation link for corporate and individual supporters
Celebrate Innovation.
Back Big Ideas. Get Noticed. Support the next wave of Harvard founders. Join the Supporter Circle and help make this milestone event happen.
Support the next wave of Harvard founders. Join the Supporter Circle and help make this milestone event happen.
Visionary $5,000
Two Tickets to pre-event VIP dinner
Reserved seating at the main event
All benefits of Company/Individual Tier
Company $2,500
Individual $1,000
Two tickets to the main event
Name/logo featured on a dedicated banner at the event
Recognition in digital event materials
A thank-you shoutout from the main stage during the event
Listing on our website and ‘thank you’ on social channels
Help us elevate founders, fuel bold ideas, and grow the Harvard innovation community.
www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup
GIVE TODAY.
Help us elevate founders, fuel bold ideas, and grow the Harvard innovation community.
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs
Financially self-sufficient nonprofit organization
Volunteer supported
Global Reach with local impact
Support for entrepreneurs at all stages
Purpose-driven community
Pegasus Tech Ventures
Global Venture Capital Leader
Based in Silicon Valley
Influential network
Offers intellectual and financial capital for exceptional emerging tech companies
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Program Highlights
In partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures and Startup World Cup
12 Harvard alumni founder finalists
TimeLine:
NOW Applications Open
July 3 Submission Deadline
July 25 Top 12 Announced
September 12 Live Regional Finals in Boston
October 17 Global Finals in San Francisco
Eligibility criteria
Open to all for-profit ventures founded/co-founded by Harvard alumni and those with alumni status
Are actively raising or have raised capital
Have a defined product/service and early traction
Legal registered entity
All semi-finalists must be members of HarvardAE. To join go to: https://www.harvardae.org/join
Application Instructions (applications closed)
Complete application form before July 3 deadline
All applications must be submitted in English.
Once you have filled out the application, be sure to complete the process by clicking "SUBMIT" at the end.
Please make sure to include following slides:
1. Problem Statement || 2. Proposed Solution || 3. Product Details || 4. Business Model ||
5. Market Opportunity || 6. Competition || 7. Growth Strategy || 8. Current Traction 9. Financials || 10. Team || 11. Current Funding Status
Please refer to this pitch deck template as a recommended guideline to follow
Startups selected as regional finalists to pitch at our onsite event, will be contacted by us with follow up details and instructions. They will also be announced through the Regional Partners online platforms and social media pages.
Applications need to be completed in one session. You are strongly advised to save a backup copy of the information you provided.
Some application fields will have a maximum number of characters you may enter. We recommend that you first develop your answer offline and then copy and paste it in the appropriate places.
By submitting your application, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions.
Blank Application PDF Template
Application Evaluation (applications closed)
Is the idea original? Is it a new concept?
Is the target market clear & accessible? Can the company achieve rapid market growth?
Is the problem a real pain point? Is the solution compelling?
Does the company have a clear competitive advantage? Is there a barrier to entry?
Is the customer acquisition model clear & validated? Are revenue growth & capital efficiency attractive?
Is this the right team to execute the plan?
Sample EMAIL Communications
Sentence Description:
The Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup is a first-of-its-kind all Harvard pitch competition showcasing top alumni-founded startups from across all 13 Harvard schools, with the winner advancing to compete for a $1 million investment at the global Startup World Cup Finals.
Paragraph Description:
The Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup is a high-profile pitch competition that brings together top alumni-founded startups from all 13 Harvard schools for a live showcase in Boston. Hosted by Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs and part of the global Startup World Cup series presented by Pegasus Tech Ventures, this event offers founders the chance to gain exposure, connect with investors, and compete for a spot at the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco—where a $1 million investment prize awaits. It’s a celebration of innovation, impact, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the Harvard community.
For any questions, please email startupworldcup@harvardae.org
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Social Media Handles
HarvardAE & Pegasus Tech Ventures, Startup World Cup Handles
Twitter: @alumnistartups // @PegasusTech_V // @SWC2025
LinkedIn: Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs // Pegasus Tech Ventures // Startup World Cup
Instagram: @harvardalumnientrepreneurs // @pegasustechventures // @startupworldcup
Website: https://www.startupworldcup.io
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: x/twitter Sample
Twelve Harvard alumni startups. One winner heading to Silicon Valley for a shot at $1M.
Be in the room for the Harvard Regional Startup World Cup this fall in Boston.
Harvard alumni are pitching for a chance to go global, and you’re invited to watch it happen.
Come support the next generation of bold startups at the Harvard Regional Startup World Cup in Boston.
This fall in Boston: live pitches, tough judges, one ticket to the $1M global finals.
Don’t miss the Harvard Regional Startup World Cup, startup energy will be at its peak!
Looking for what’s next?
The top 12 Harvard alumni startups will pitch live in Boston, and the winner heads to compete for $1M in Silicon Valley.
Be in the room where breakout founders make their move.
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn Sample
Join HarvardAE in Boston this fall for the Harvard Regional Startup World Cup—where top alumni founders pitch live for a chance to represent Harvard on the global stage.
Network with 350+ VCs, operators, and innovators from across the startup ecosystem. This is where breakout companies take flight.
Harvard alumni are building bold companies, and you're invited to see it happen.
Come watch 12 teams pitch live at the Harvard Regional Startup World Cup. The winner moves on to Silicon Valley to compete for a $1M investment in the global finals.
Whether you're a founder, investor, or simply curious, this is one event you won't want to miss.
Want a front-row seat to Harvard’s biggest startup showdown?
Join us in Boston as 12 alumni teams go head-to-head at the Harvard Regional Startup World Cup. The stakes? A shot at $1 million and the global finals in Silicon Valley.
Big ideas. Real-time pitches. High stakes. Let’s see who rises to the top.
