Every year, hundreds of founders throw their hats in the ring for a chance to pitch at Venture Atlanta—the Southeast’s premier venture capital conference. Companies that take the VA stage benefit from exposure, industry connections, and deals (Since 2007, Venture Atlanta companies have raised $7.9B+ in capital and seen $20.8B+ in successful exits).
With so many prospective pitch companies, how can you make your application stand out and increase your chances of getting selected? Here are our top tips for how to apply to pitch at a venture capital conference, so you can captivate the judges and land a spot at VA.
Tip #1—Rely on the 3 C’s: Clear, Concise, Compelling
The million-dollar question when applying to startup pitch competitions is, “What’s the best way to tell the story of my company?”
You have a limited word count to convince judges you belong on stage, so start by explaining:
- The problem you’re solving
- How you’re solving it
Your main goal is to convey the essence of your company and how you’re going to lead it to success. You only get one first impression, so prioritize focus over fluff. A clear, concise, and compelling story makes your business unforgettable.
Tip #2—Don’t just describe it. Sell it.
The judges don’t want to hear a description of your business—they want to know that the problem you’re solving is worth backing and that it’s going to make money. So focus on selling the opportunity at hand and closing the deal!
CONFERENCE HACK #1:
Don’t try to explain your entire business plan in your application. Think of your application as your first date with VA and your pitch as the second. You’ll have time to dive into every detail later on—for now, focus on sharing the story that will leave us wanting more.
Tip #3—If you have $0 in revenue, show traction instead.
Venture Atlanta welcomes companies of all sizes, including seed-stage startups looking to raise their first $1-5 million.
What matters more than whether you’ve generated revenue yet is that your company is seeing progress. Highlight success in acquiring customers, how you’re meeting business goals, and how that momentum will benefit investors. If you can convey that they’re not going to have to keep pouring money into your idea to see a return, you’re golden.
Tip #4—Connect with the selection committee members.
Our selection committee is comprised of some of the industry’s top leaders, investors, and innovators. You can view the individuals on our pitch page. We recommend connecting with the committee head for your region. It helps them put a face to the name of the business they’ll be reading about in your application, they can help answer questions, and connecting ahead of the conference makes networking easier once you’re at the conference!
CONFERENCE HACK #2:
If you aren’t selected this year? Come to VA anyway. The true benefit of Venture Atlanta comes from the quality of the attendees, numerous networking opportunities, and valuable content sessions. You can get all of that even if you’re not pitching on stage!
But don’t just take it from us. Read how, despite not being selected to pitch on stage at Venture Atlanta 2024, Desmond Wiggan or BatteryXChange was able to benefit simply from attending the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications open for Venture Atlanta?
Applications for Venture Atlanta 2025 are now open and close on August 8th, 2025. Apply today!
What are the eligibility requirements to apply?
We’re looking for tech-enabled companies across the Southeast (Texas to D.C.) in any startup stage, from seed to growth.
How much does it cost to apply?
It’s free to apply and free if selected! So there’s truly no downside to applying. Even if you don’t get selected, the time you spend on the application is worth it. It’s reviewed by dozens of investors and tech leaders, so it’s great exposure and opens the door for conversations (even if you’re not ultimately selected to pitch on stage).
What makes a successful Venture Atlanta application?
Focus on clarity, strong storytelling, and honesty as you craft your case for your business to be considered at VA. For more pitch competition application advice, see the details in the blog!
Do I need to have raised capital already to apply?
Nope. Many applicants are pre-revenue and pre-seed. What matters most is showcasing your current progress and future potential.
If I’ve raised capital in the past, is this still a good opportunity for me?
Absolutely! Even if you already have pre-existing investor relationships, this is GREAT exposure and can lead to more opportunities down the road.
What materials do I need to include in my application?
Our application requests a comprehensive overview of your company, including information on your differentiators, competitors, employees, and finances.
What happens after I apply?
Visit our pitch page to see what to expect and key dates to know. If you still have questions, reach out to us here, and we’d be happy to help!
Feeling ready to apply? Submit your application now and take your shot at pitching in front of hundreds of top-tier investors.
