WOMEN FOUNDERS NETWORK 12th ANNUAL
FAST PITCH COMPETITION
Applications will be accepted April 1-May 31, 2024
We recommend that you download our Fast Pitch Guidelines, which includes important tips for the online application, all questions that appear on each track's application form, and important dates.
You may select one track to apply for:
Tech/Tech-enabled
B2B or B2C company that relies on significant development of technology to deliver the product or service.
1st place winner receives $25k cash grant
Consumer/CPG/Other Non-tech
Any product sold to consumers as physical units or consumer focused media/content, e-commerce sites, or services provided to consumers.
1st place winner receives $25k cash grant
In addition to the 1st place awards in each track, our Junior Venture Capitalists will vote to select one finalist company to receive a $5k cash grant
Check out the Amazing Benefits our 10 Finalists receive:
Pitch Coach
One-on-one pitch coaching to hone your skills and pitch deck
Spark Collective Perks
Access to discounts on a wide variety of products and services
Financial Mentor
Expert guidance to get your financials in order for your investor pitch
Alumni Community
Ongoing support for our community of alumni founders
Valuable Connections
Meet potential investors and make high-value connections
Practice Pitch Events
Pitch to curated groups for helpful feedback to improve your skills
Professional Services
All finalists receive free professional services awards
WFN Fast Pitch Event
Compete at UCLA to win cash grants totaling $55,000
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
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Founder/Co-Founder/CEO must be a woman or business must be majority-owned by a woman
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Must attend in person and participate in the annual Fast Pitch Event on October 29 at UCLA*
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Must have raised no more than $750K in outside funding, including personal cash funds**
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Business must be based in the United States
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Pre-revenue plans are welcome (need to show customer interest, such as customer sign-ups, surveys, LOI’s, etc.)
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We cannot accept applications from Life Sciences, nonprofit, or cannabis/CBD companies
*Travel expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
**Research grants or other non-recourse, non-dilutive grants, and PPP loans do not count towards the $750K maximum.
Each year Women Founders Network creates a unique opportunity for Female Founders. What makes our pitch competition different than other fast pitch competitions is the valuable mentoring, coaching and in-kind sponsorships that we offer as part of the program.
This individualized attention allows the top women entrepreneurs to become pitch-ready in a way that sharpens their plans to scale their companies and makes their business more appealing to Angel and VC investors.
In addition, there is cash investment potential from investors that attend the Fast Pitch event and an ongoing support network of successful businesswomen committed to building the female entrepreneur ecosystem.
WHAT FINALISTS SAY
“The Fast Pitch program was instrumental in helping us craft our elevator pitch. The mentorship we received was incredibly valuable and you'll see it pay dividends for years to come. Our mentors were incredibly generous with their time, expertise, and support.”
Hannah Hong & Mollie Cha
Must Love
“My involvement with WFN has been a gift that keeps on giving. Not only did we get investors,we got mentors who have played a crucial role in our growth. I’ve gained not only a network of amazing, powerful women, but also new friends for life.”
Fran Dunaway
TomboyX CEO & Co-Founder
“All women entrepreneurs
should apply despite the
company size–even if they
don’t make the final top 10. If
you have a great business
concept, there is still an
opportunity to receive
funding from investors who
review your application.”
Sashee Chandran
Tea Drops Founder & CEO