Virginia Beach to Host Startup World Cup Regional, Eyeing $1 Million Prize


Last updated: October 28, 2024

Startup stock screen displayVirginia Beach is gearing up to shine on the global stage as it hosts the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional on August 28.

This marks the first time the renowned competition, a global platform championing entrepreneurship, is held in Virginia.

Innovate Hampton Roads and the city are joining forces to bring this event to the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Town Center.

Tim Ryan, executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads, highlights the unprecedented opportunity for local startups to present their ventures to international investors.

“This is a competition to get in front of global investors,” says Ryan. “Never before has there been an opportunity like this (in the area).”

The competition is open to all Virginia startups, with the victor advancing to the Startup World Cup finals in San Francisco, where a $1 million prize awaits.

Besides the allure of the grand prize, the event promises invaluable networking and feedback from seasoned investors.

Anis Uzzaman, Chairman of Startup World Cup and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures underscores the competition’s role in linking diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems to Silicon Valley.

“We are thrilled to partner with Innovate Hampton Roads for the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional,” Uzzaman says.

“This is our first time bringing the event to Virginia Beach and we are delighted by the quality of enthusiasm of competing startups.”

Hosting the regional competition is a nod to the innovation thriving in Hampton Roads, Ryan notes. It’s a pivotal moment for the region, setting the stage for global recognition and growth.

Success stories like DroneUp in Virginia Beach and SVT Robotics in Norfolk, along with federal facilities like NASA Langley and Jefferson Lab, exemplify the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Virginia’s appeal is further bolstered by its recent accolade as America’s Top State for Business by CNBC, a ranking it has secured six times.

The Virginia event is capped at 100 applications, with judges selecting around 10 to 12 finalists.

Startups at any stage, as long as they are legally registered entities, can apply by August 14 on the Innovate Hampton Roads website.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to lend a hand by emailing james@innovate757.org or tim@innovate757.org.

This regional competition symbolizes more than a contest; it’s a beacon of opportunity and a testament to Virginia’s vibrant business landscape.

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Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
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LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
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