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 – 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
Application Link: https://www.startupworldcup.io/harvard-app-2025
For more information: startupworldcup@harvardae.org
Info Session: June 5, 1PM ET
About Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup Backgrounder (applicant)
Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup Sponsor Opportunities
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
June 15 Submission Deadline
August 1 Top 12 Announced
September 5 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 Instsructions
Complete application form before June 15 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.
Application Evaluation
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 more information, attend our Info Session
For any questions, please email startupworldcup@harvardae.org
Sample Email to Use to Recruit Applicants
Subject Line: Know a Harvard founder? This is their momen
Hi [Name],
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs is launching something big this fall—the first-ever Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup—and we’re looking for bold founders like you to take the stage.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase your startup alongside top alumni-led ventures from across all 13 Harvard schools. Finalists will pitch live in Boston before a panel of leading investors, and the winner will advance to the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco—with a shot at a $1 million investment prize from Pegasus Tech Ventures.
Please share with your network and keep your eyes peeled for eligible alumni to share this with.
Applications are now open.
[Insert application link]
Let’s show the world what Harvard founders can do.
See the attached files for more information.
To learn more about the Harvard Alumni Startup World Cup Regional please visit the website or attend the next Info Session on June 5 at 12pm ET: HarvardAE.org/startupworldcup
For any questions, you can contact HarvardAE at startupworldcup@harvardae.org
Thank you,
[Name]
_________________________________
Sample Email to Use to Encourage an Alum to Apply
Subject Line: [APPLY} Apply Now: Represent Harvard at the Startup World Cup
Hi [Name],
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs is organizing something truly exciting this fall—the first-ever Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup—and I wanted to personally invite you (or someone you know) to apply.
This competition will spotlight top alumni-led startups from across all 13 Harvard schools. Finalists will pitch live in Boston, and the winner will advance to the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco for a chance to win a $1 million investment prize from Pegasus Tech Ventures.
If you’re building something bold—or know a fellow alum who is—this is an incredible opportunity to gain visibility, connect with investors, and represent Harvard on the global stage.
Applications are now open:
[Insert link to apply]
To learn more about the Harvard Alumni Startup World Cup Regional please visit the website or attend the next Info Session on June 5 at 12pm ET: HarvardAE.org/startupworldcup
For any questions, you can contact HarvardAE at startupworldcup@harvardae.org
Best,
[Your Name]
__________
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
Straightforward & Powerful
Harvard founders—this is your shot.
Apply now to pitch at the Harvard Alumni Regional #StartupWorldCup!
12 finalists
1 winner goes to San Francisco
$1M prize on the line
https://www.startupworldcup.io/harvard-app-2025
Tag & Engage
Know a Harvard alum with a bold startup? Tag them!
We’re hosting the Harvard Alumni Regional #StartupWorldCup in Boston this fall. Winner competes globally for $1M.
Apps open now → https://www.startupworldcup.io/harvard-app-2025
Countdown & Urgency
Countdown is on!
The Harvard Alumni Regional #StartupWorldCup is coming.
Apply to pitch your startup live in Boston—winner goes to SF to compete for a $1M investment!
Deadline approaching → https://www.startupworldcup.io/harvard-app-2025
For Investors & Ecosystem
350+ VCs, angels & leaders will gather in Boston to watch 12 top Harvard alumni startups pitch at the #StartupWorldCup.
The winner moves on to compete for $1M in SF.
Don’t miss this global stage moment → https://www.startupworldcup.io/harvard-app-2025
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn Sample
Harvard founders, this is your stage.
We’re calling on all alumni-led startups to apply to the Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup—a one-of-a-kind competition bringing together founders from all 13 Harvard schools.
Twelve finalists will pitch live in Boston. One will go on to represent Harvard at the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco for a shot at $1M in funding.
Applications are open: https://www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup
The Harvard entrepreneurial community is stepping onto the global stage.
This fall, 12 alumni-led startups will pitch live in Boston for the chance to represent Harvard at the Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco—competing for a $1M investment prize.
Apply now to be part of the Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup, and join a legacy of bold innovation.
https://www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup
Are you a Harvard alum building the next big thing?
Apply now for the Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup—a premier pitch competition that brings together the most promising alumni-founded startups.
Finalists will pitch in Boston. The winner advances to the Startup World Cup Finals for a chance at $1M in fundingfrom Pegasus Tech Ventures.
Live pitch: September 5, 2025
Apply today: https://www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup
Hey Harvard alumni—know a great startup? Or building one yourself?
Applications are now open for the Harvard Alumni Regional Startup World Cup.
This is your chance to pitch on a global stage, connect with top investors, and represent Harvard at the world’s most prestigious startup competition.
Tag a founder who should apply
https://www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup
