Many founders focus on selling a vision rather than
providing a structured, data-backed presentation. A strong pitch should have no more than 10 slides, covering key aspects like business model, traction, financials, and
investment strategy. VLADIMIR MALAKCHI CEO and Managing Partner Xanada Investments
It’s open to Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A start-ups, whether they’re entering the market or scaling an existing product. Te $50,000 equity investment is just one part of the opportunity - the real value comes from direct investor mentorship, industry connections, and marketing and PR support, all designed to accelerate market positioning and drive future funding opportunities. To further support the winners, the contest also includes a comprehensive prize package from partners and judges, $10,000 in AWS credits to offset bills, exclusive savings, and discounts available through the global network of AWS partners.
A pitch contest only matters if it leads to something bigger. Tis one is built to do exactly that - giving founders access to the right capital, strategic partners, and the network they need to grow fast and sustain that growth long-term.
What are the most common mistakes start-ups made in the last competition that stopped them from moving forward?
Tere are a few recurring issues that consistently prevent start-ups from moving forward. Te reality is the same mistakes we saw in the last competition and across many applications keep showing up. One of the biggest issues is poor pitch preparation - only 30 per cent of start-ups present a pitch that truly reflects their business. Many founders focus on selling a vision rather than providing a structured, data-backed presentation. A strong pitch should have no more than 10 slides, covering key aspects like business model, traction, financials, and investment strategy.
Another common mistake is focusing too much on the product while neglecting business fundamentals. Investors need to see a clear revenue model, scalability strategy, and market validation - without these, even the most innovative idea won’t secure funding. Financial clarity is another weak spot. Many start-ups submit unrealistic projections, vague budgets, or incomplete financial documentation.
Investors want to understand how funds will be used and what the expected ROI is. If founders can’t confidently present their numbers,
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it’s a major red flag. Lastly, underestimating competition and market challenges often holds start-ups back. Some founders fail to demonstrate a deep understanding of their industry or how they’ll differentiate. Investors need to see a well-thought-out competitive strategy and market positioning to consider a start-up investable. Success comes down to execution, preparation, and clear business strategy - start-ups that get this right stand the best chance of moving forward.
What advice would you give to start-ups who want to stand out during the finalist selection process?
Over the years, I’ve seen countless start-ups pitch for investment, and one thing is clear: the ones that stand out are the ones that come prepared, self-aware, and ready to execute.
My biggest piece of advice? Be brutally honest about your business. Many founders get caught up in the excitement of their idea but fail to analyse their weaknesses and challenges critically. Investors don’t expect perfection, but they do expect you to understand your risks and have a plan to mitigate them. If your start-up has gaps - whether in market validation, financial strategy, or execution - acknowledge them and show how you’re actively working to solve them.
Your pitch is your first real test. It’s not just about presenting a product; it’s about demonstrating that you have a business worth investing in. Founders who succeed are the ones who can clearly explain their market positioning, revenue model, competitive edge, and growth potential - all while keeping it structured, concise, and engaging. If you can’t explain how your business will generate returns in a few minutes, you’re not ready for investment.
Finally, be strategic about the narrative you build. Investors don’t just look at numbers - they look at people. Show that you and your team have the resilience, adaptability, and execution skills to scale a business, not just launch a product. At the end of the day, funding follows those who not only have a strong idea but prove they have what it takes to turn that idea into a successful company.
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