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Join the Largest Mediterranean Event Connecting Startups with Top Investors

Welcome to the Mediterranean Startup World Cup, where innovation meets opportunity. 

On October 11, 2024, in Palermo, Italy, we’re bringing together the brightest minds and the most ambitious startups from across the Mediterranean to connect with world-class investors and corporates.

For the semifinal of the world’s largest pitch competition: the Startup World Cup organized by Pegasus Venture and held in San Francisco Oct 2025.

This is your chance to be part of an event that will shape the future of innovation in Mediterranean region. Whether you’re a startup looking to scale or an investor seeking the next big breakthrough, this event is designed to provide unparalleled opportunities.

The Startup World Cup, the world’s largest pitch competition organized by Pegasus Venture

Investment Prize
1 M $
Attendees
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Investors
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Speakers
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Regionals
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JOIN THE EVENT For Startups

Pitch to Global Investors

Gain access to over 30 international investors managing a combined $2.3 billion. This is your moment to secure the funding that can take your startup to new heights.

Compete for a Spot in the Global Final

The winning startup will represent the Mediterranean at the Startup World Cup 2025 in Silicon Valley, with a chance to win a $1 million investment.

Network with Industry Leaders

Connect with key players in the startup ecosystem, from successful entrepreneurs to experienced mentors, who can provide valuable insights and support.

Gain Global Exposure

Showcase your innovation on an international platform, attracting media attention and potential partners from across the globe.

Receive Expert Feedback

Benefit from the expertise of seasoned investors and industry experts who will provide constructive feedback on your pitch and business model.

The top three startups will score some pretty awesome prizes

First Prize:

The winning startup gets full access to the final of the Startup World Cup 2025 in Silicon Valley, with a chance to win a $1 million investment.

But that's not all!

The top three startups will also gain access to the ITU Seed Acceleration Program, a fully online program hosted by Istanbul Technical University and ITU ARI Teknokent’s incubation center.

In addition, these startups will be part of the Startup District at WMF 2025 in Bologna, Italy. They’ll participate in exclusive B2B meetings, pitch on the Startup Stage.

Apply now and don't miss out!

⏳ Application Deadline: 13th September 2024

📅 Selected Startups Announced: 20th September 2024

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be at the heart of Mediterranean innovation. Apply now and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of the startup world.

JOIN THE EVENT For Investors and Corporates

Discover High-Potential Startups

Engage with 27 carefully selected startups from around 20 Mediterranean countries, each with unique solutions ready to disrupt the market.

Exclusive Networking Opportunities

Meet and network with other top-tier investors, industry leaders, and corporate executives, fostering partnerships that can drive innovation.

Scout for Strategic Investments

Identify startups that align with your investment goals or strategic interests, providing opportunities for early-stage investments or partnerships.

Stay Ahead of Market Trends

Gain insights into the latest innovations and trends emerging from the Mediterranean startup scene, ensuring you’re at the forefront of industry developments.

Contribute to Regional Growth

Play a key role in fostering the growth of the Mediterranean startup ecosystem, driving economic development and innovation in the region.

What’s the Mediterranean Startup World Cup?

The Mediterranean Startup World Cup is THE event for startups ready to make waves in the Mediterranean and beyond. Hosted for the first time in Southern Italy, this event is a key semifinal in the Startup World Cup, the world’s largest pitch competition organized by Pegasus Venture.
This year, we’re bringing together 27 of the most innovative startups from 20 Mediterranean countries to pitch in front of top investors, corporate giants, and a global audience. The winner? They’ll be heading to Silicon Valley for the chance to win a $1 million investment. 🌟

Global Semifinals

The Mediterranean semifinal is just one of the many happening worldwide. Here are some of the other global hotspots:

Central Asia
Tokyo, Japan
São Paulo, Brazil
New York, USA

LISTEN TO THE Speakers and Judges

Meet the global visionaries shaping the future of innovation. Our lineup includes some of the biggest names in the startup world:

Jenny Fielding

GP @ Everywhere (NY) & ex-MD @TechStars ($10B portfolio)

Brynne Kennedy

MP & Cofounder @Smart Society Ventures (Climate and Energy Tech VC)

Zach Coelius

GP @Coelius Capital ($210M AUM), most followed investor on Angellt

Mike Sigal

8 startups, 4 exits, 1 IPO, Former VC in 100+ deals

Jack Kuveke

GP @Jabroni Capital (NY based)

Gianluca Dettori

Chairman @Primo Ventures (+$400M AUM)

Aditya Kathpalia

Director @Orbit Startups ($240M), most prolific early stage investor

Pascal Bouvier

GP @Middlegame Ventures (+$100M), NY based

Matt Brezina

GP @Ford Street Ventures, Silicon Valley based, investor in 7 Unicorns

Emil Abirascid

Journalist & Founder @Startupbusiness

Sadaharu Saiki

GP @Sunny Side Venture, first Japanese fund in Africa

Francesco Cracolici

VP @Pella Ventures & XZP, Ceo @Nomadic Minds

Milan Reinartz

Founder of Ascend Angels & NonPublic.io

Uros Lekic

Founder & GP @TenNine VC

Max Pog

Founder @Venture Studio Family

Waleed Khalil

GP @Den Venture Capital, investor in 2 Mediterranean Unicorns

Vincenzo Belpiede

CEO & Co-Founder at ShareDocView

Taryn Andersen

Telegraph Hill ( Silicon valley based $80m fund) CEO @Impulse4Women

Ardian Hoxha

SE Europe General Partner @Keiretsu Forum ($1.1B, Singapore Based)

Melissa Aurigemma

Exceptional Capital, $50M, Silicon Valley based fund

Varun Rekhi

Growth Investor @Speedinvest, $1.2bn+, Europe and Growth Markets

Takuma Terakubo

CEO & GP at Uncovered Fund Inc.

Ahmed Eid

Investment Manager at Techstars

Thierry Bouffioux

CEO @Entrepreneur Endeavors

Abdullah Bokhari

Angel Investor

Paul Grossinger

Founder @Gaingels

Christophe Archer

LaunchBay ($300m London base fund) and first cheque in Revolut

Verena Sturm

Founding Partner at Avestu Capital

Vedran Blagus

VC @South Central Ventures

Matteo Bonfanti

Key Partner Venture Capital - Kairos Partners SGR

Jacob Faini

Acceleration Program Manager @B4i

Szymon Bolczyk

Investment Director @N1 Investment Fund

William Henry

Cofounder of Jabroni Capital (NY based)

Francesca Perrone

Head ESG & Start Lab Italy, UniCredit

Luca Passoni

Director Tech Transfer Hub di PwC Italy

Giovanna Gaballo

Presidente Sispi

Danilo Raponi

Group Head of Innovation Generali

Alessandro Silvestri

Managing Partner @MALTAccelerate

Hajdi Cenan

President @CRO Startup

Majid Shokrolahi

Senior Solutions Architect @AWS

Augusto Coppola

Managing Partner of Cloud Accelerator

Federico Travella

Founder @Novicap

Hugh Bowen

Investment Associate @SOSV

Matti Liukas

CEO @Consensus Capital

Salvatore Seminara

Vice President of Sispi, the technological partner of the City of Palermo

Davide Rovera

MP @Killi Venture Ltd

Fabrizio D’Aloia

Electronic engineer Strategic Advidor & Business Angel Eterna Capital Equity Partner

Anisa Alikaj

Founder @TOKA Ventures

Here's what the day looks like

Meet the 27 Selected Startups

Here’s a sneak peek at the 27 incredible startups that have been selected from across the Mediterranean region. These companies represent the cutting edge of innovation, addressing challenges in fields like technology, sustainability, healthcare, and more. Each of these startups has the potential to drive significant change, and we’re thrilled to see what they’ll bring to the table in Palermo.

WHO HEALPS US Sponsors & Partners

Organizers

Key Sponsor

Sponsor:

Technical Sponsor:

in collaboration with:

Patronage:

Local partner:

Media Partners:

Meet the Team

We’re a group of passionate professionals dedicated to making this event a success

Francesco Cracolici

VP @Pella Ventures & XZP, Ceo @Nomadic Minds

Monica Guizzardi

Event Organizer

Mercedes Royston

Marketing Strategist

Michelle Wesson

Investor Relations

Danilo Mazzara

Strategic Advisor

Federica Pasini

Investor Relations

Salvatore Mauro

SDR at Nomadic Minds

Aurora Incardona

Operations Manager

HURRY UP! JOIN US

This event is invite-only to ensure the best possible environment for our participants. If you want to be part of this game-changing event, drop us an email to request an invitation. We’re creating the perfect atmosphere for innovation to thrive, so let’s make magic happen together!

We’d love to hear from you!

Follow us on Socials

Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation using #MedSWC! #mediterraneanstartupworldcup
#SWC #startupworldcup

REACH US Join Us in Palermo

We’re excited to welcome you to Palermo, the vibrant heart of the Mediterranean, for the Mediterranean Startup World Cup. This historic city offers more than just an incredible event. It's a destination full of culture, history, and unforgettable experiences.