The Pitching Competition runs at the PODIM Conference in Maribor. Startups register through the PODIM platform; the top 150 applicants secure a startup spot and five are selected to pitch in the main-stage final.
Every participating startup gets access to the PODIM Deal Room, which arranges more than 50 curated one-to-one meetings over the two conference days. The winner receives a package valued at over USD 10,000, made up of a Fundraising Bootcamp training programme, access to a database of more than 4,000 investors and a three-day PODIM London Springboard trip. The competition is non-dilutive.
Applications open on 3 December and close on 15 March, or earlier once the places are filled, ahead of PODIM 2027 on 17-19 May in Maribor.
What it actually costs you
Startups register through the PODIM platform in Maribor, Slovenia, where roughly 150 applicants each edition secure a startup spot and five are picked to pitch in the main-stage final. Everyone taking part gains access to the PODIM Deal Room and its 50-plus curated one-to-one meetings across the two conference days. The winner takes a package valued above USD 10,000: a Fundraising Bootcamp, a database of 4,000-plus investors and a London Springboard trip. Non-dilutive.