UNLEASH Startup goes truly global with new digital format

UNLEASH Startup has long been an incubator for top talent and emerging tech businesses that have changed the game in HR tech.

Now, the chances of finding that special startup that catalyzes the next paradigm shift in HR technology just got greater, as UNLEASH has just announced that the format goes digital for UNLEASH World – for its initial rounds at least.

Those that make the final will still appear in person in Paris, but the canvas is now even broader as startups the world over are now eligible for the biannual technology pitching event.

And while it’s important to note that UNLEASH Startup is first and foremost a competition, amid the frantic readying of pitch decks the power of the networking element can’t be understated. UNLEASH CEO and founder Marc Coleman agrees, saying of the competition’s long-standing tagline ‘The Network Never Stops’ that “it’s the driving force behind UNLEASH Digital Startup Competition. It embodies the perpetual growth and dynamism of our ever-evolving community.

“As innovative startups emerge year after year, they invigorate, diversify, and strengthen the connections within our network. At the core of UNLEASH Startup is an unwavering commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration, inspiration, and endless possibilities.”

After another successful competition in Las Vegas, we can’t wait to see what incredible emerging tech is showcased in Paris. Introducing the first-ever UNLEASH Digital Startup Competition.

Here are the crucial details you need to know if you’re planning to enter:

• 30 June – applications open. Get your pitch deck ready – you’ll be reciting it in your sleep before you know it.
• 28 August – applications close. No more bets please folks, it’s over to our panel of judges now.
• 29 August – 6 September – evaluation period. Have you made the cut? Only 10 days after closing and you’ll have found out…
• 8 September – finalists announced. Will we be seeing you in the city of light?
• 15 September – live digital finale. The dress rehearsal for the main event – timings to be announced at a later date.
• 17 October @ UNLEASH World – the onsite finale. You made it this far, can you take home the grand prize?

Entrance requirements:

• 50 euro fee (which can be used towards purchasing a stand)
• No more than Series A funding
• No more than five years old
• No more than 50 employees
• Location-agnostic (anywhere in the world)
• Answer our questionnaire and submit a two-minute video sharing a product demonstration
• For companies with more than 50 employees and/or founded more than five years ago, please contact the UNLEASH team to discuss your entry

Categories startups can enter under:

• HR Tech & Transformation
• Learning & Skills
• Employee Experience & Engagement
• Talent & Recruitment

Prizes:

• If selected to be a Finalist in our Live Pitch, it is required to send a Founder or Co-Founder (only) to the virtual live pitch on 15 September. The winner of the Live Pitch will be granted an automatic spot in our onsite Startup Award Finale on 17 October at UNLEASH World in Paris. The finalist presenters must be Founders and must appear at the onsite Finale on 17 October. The winner will also receive a startup stand that must be used at either UNLEASH America 2024 or UNLEASH World 2024. The stand cannot be used at UNLEASH World 2023.
• If selected to be a finalist in our Digital Competition, those who rank second through fourth will receive two tickets per startup to attend UNLEASH World 2023. The tickets are only eligible for Founder/C-Suite members.

Note:

• Please note we will still be offering our bread and butter the UNLEASH World Startup Award 2023 tournament format in Paris for those who are unable to participate in the Digital Startup Competition. There are two separate competitions in total.

Apply here!