The European Pitch Contest is back. As the centerpiece of the Founders Festival Bits & Pretzels The 2025 competition in Munich is once again aimed at ambitious startups from across Europe. The goal is to connect founders with investors, influencers, and other key players in the startup world. According to the organizers, more than 1,500 investors are expected.
The competition is considered a central element of Bits & Pretzels, which once again aims to bring the European startup scene together under the motto "Connecting Europe." The pitch contest, with its slogan "Your pitch. Europe's stage. Rise to it," fits in with this theme. Submissions from over 30 countries are expected. The final round will take place on September 30th on the festival's main stage.
Startups up to five years old that are still in their early stages – that is, those that have reached the Series A phase or earlier – are eligible to apply. They must have no more than 100 employees and have received no more than €20 million in funding. Participation is free of charge.
From the application to the main stage
The European Pitch Contest 2025 is divided into three phases. The application deadline is July 6. After that, a jury of renowned investors will select the top 50 startups. These will receive individual pitch coaching.
From this group, the 20 strongest applicants—the so-called "Rising 20"—will be nominated for the pre-rounds on September 29. Each of these teams will receive three minutes for a live pitch and will then answer questions from the jury. The top four will qualify for the final on the main stage.
In addition to visibility, the Rising 20 will benefit from access to an exclusive network of investors and successful founders. The goal is to specifically prepare and facilitate the next step in growth.
founder Maximilian Dekorsy, CEO of last year’s winner Ecoplanet, emphasizes the scope of the competition:
"The European Pitch Contest at Bits & Pretzels was a huge challenge, but also a unique opportunity. It was especially important to us to raise awareness about our topic and our company among as many people as possible – and we succeeded!"
Last year, Ecoplanet also secured the Munich Startup Special Prize secure.
