In terms of Startup World Cup Ukraine: 2024
- Intense educational
component - Networking events
- Global opportunities
- No-equity funding
About
UNICORN is a startup contest that brings together the best and brightest minds and is structured to guide startups through different stages, offering an intensive two-week program to support dynamic interaction. This year, UNICORN is held by EIT Community RIS Hub Ukraine and Sigma Software Labs with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine as part of Startup World Cup Ukraine: 2024.
It provides a platform for Ukrainian startups to prepare for the global stage of Startup World Cup, the world's largest global pitch competition with a $1M prize in investment held on October 4 in San Francisco, California.
Program Highlights
Submit your startup and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime
Benefit from expert mentorship and gain valuable insights to refine your business strategy
Trial pitches of the teams to test your startup and receive feedback from industry experts
Engage in dedicated meetups and workshops to get insights from startup gurus
Selection of the teams that will pitch at the Final Demo Day of the competition
Showcase your progress, pitch to potential investors and partners, and receive awards
Launch Your Startup to the New Orbit
Join UNICORN, the most dynamic startup contest designed to propel your project to new heights. Experience an intense educational component and vibrant networking events, pitching opportunities, and access to no-equity funding, all aimed at accelerating your startup's growth.
The
Advantage
We know the value of real-life connections, which is why this season UNICORN offers a mix of offline and online interactions. As we all miss live events, we make sure you get the best of both worlds
ORGANIZERS
- VC arm of Sigma Software, one of TOP 100 Global IT Outsourcing companies by IAOP
- Investing in startups and scaling them globally via B2B network
- $2.3M+ invested in 20 startups
- Recognized as one of the most active investors in Ukraine during the full-scale war
- Building UA startup ecosystem (events, global partnerships, mentors, VCs, consulting)
- EIT Community RIS Hub is part of the EU program, which aims to connect Ukrainian entrepreneurs and partners with Europe’s largest innovative ecosystem for business development
- In 2023, EIT launched more than 50 educational, entrepreneurial, and business programs for Ukraine
- EIT directed more than 4 mln euros to strengthen the Ukrainian economy
- EIT provides various financial instruments – grants from 10 to 250 thousand euros and venture financing for entrepreneurs
CO-ORGANIZERS
- TOP 100 Global IT Outsourcing
- TOP 20 largest IT companies 
in Ukraine
- 20 years of experience in the 
implementation of quality technological solutions
- Offices on 4 continents and 
partnerships in 30+ locations around the world
- Educational platform aimed at professional development and knowledge-sharing with IT community globally
- 19 years of experience in various fields and team of expert practitioners
- The first unique Ukrainian high-technology venture capital firm established by IT experts for IT geeks
- The most active VC in Ukraine
- 13 Ukrainian IT tech executives as General Partners
- 5 founding companies
- YCombinator, Horizon Capital, Sequoia, etc. as co-investors
- Over $3M invested in Ukrainian startups
Meet the Crew
Requirements
Get ready to take off!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to soar to new heights with UNICORN Startup Contest. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, funding, or valuable connections, this program is tailor-made for startups like yours. Mark your calendars and join us on this thrilling journey from July to September 4
The Final Pitch Day will be held on September 4 offline simultaneously in two cities – Kyiv and Warsaw – connected by a teleconference.Â
Join UNICORN and witness your startup’s transformation. Apply now!
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information? Reach out to our team, and we'll be happy to assist.