SMU has a rich history of launching successful startup founders, including Bumble Inc. founder Whitney Wolfe Herd and La La Land Kind Café founder Francois Reihani.

Are you next?

The Spears Institute is excited to announce that the Hilltop Founders Pitch Competition is back! This Spring competition has been thoughtfully designed to equip you with the startup tools you need to succeed. Selected SMU student founders will have the opportunity to refine their startup stories, value their ventures, and perfect their pitch decks.

On pitch day, finalists will compete for cash based on their 10-minute pitch (7-minute presentation + 3-minute Q&A). First place takes home $10,000.

Eligibility:

• Current SMU students only. Undergraduate and graduate students from all SMU programs are invited to apply.
• Application form must be completed Friday, March 27 at 11:59 PM, that include the following components: 
  • 90-second video of your elevator pitch
  • Business plan one-pager that include the startup pitch elements required for the final pitch (see application for further details)
• Founders must attend at least two workshop sessions from the Spears Workshop Series.

Competition Award Prizes:

• 1st Place: $10,000
• 2nd Place: $5,000
• 3rd Place: $3,000

Important Dates:

• Applications Open: Wednesday, January 28
• Workshop #1: Saturday, January 31 
• Workshop #2: Saturday, February 14
• Workshop #3: Saturday, February 28
• Applications Close: Friday, March 27
• Pitch Day & Awards Luncheon: Friday, April 17

Selected finalists will be those who have demonstrated their commitment and readiness for future accelerator opportunities.
 

Apply here!

If you have questions or want to hear more, email us at spears@smu.edu. 

We can’t wait for all that Hilltop Founders has in store for you.

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Co-hosted with: Office of Engaged Learning, Big iDeas, Entrepreneurship at SMU

Contact the organizers