The Hidden Enemy of Startup Founders
Bartosz Kajdas
Connecting Science and Business Through Training, Media & Entrepreneurial Insights
There’s a moment every founder faces—staring at the screen, dozens of tabs open, feeling lost. Somewhere out there, the perfect opportunity exists: funding, mentorship, a stage to pitch your vision. But where?
I remember talking to a founder who had built something incredible. Game-changing tech. Investors would have loved it. But when I asked where they were applying, they shrugged. “No idea. Just Googling.”
That’s the enemy. Not competition. Not rejection.
->The real enemy is not knowing where to start.<-
That’s why I do this—why this newsletter exists. So you don’t waste months searching in the dark. So you don’t miss the shot that could change everything.
This month, I’m bringing you handpicked pitch competitions with serious prize money—no noise, no filler. You just need to show up and win.
Let’s go.
— Bartosz
P.S. Know someone stuck in the “I don’t know where to apply” loop? Forward this to them. Let’s beat the real enemy together.
What's coming up in this Newsletter
Finest Pitch-Pick Competitions
Don't Miss These Competitions (LIST)
Finest Pitch-Pick
Name of the Competition:
hei_INNOVATION Ideas Competition 2025
Aim:
The hei_innovation Ideas Competition provides members of Heidelberg University (only) with a platform to present and advance innovative ideas with real-world impact. The focus is on tackling economic, ecological, and social challenges while creating meaningful change.
Organizer:
hei_INNOVATION, Heidelberg University
Focus:
Participants can pitch their early-stage or fully developed ideas in front of an expert jury and a broad audience. The competition fosters visibility, networking, and professional feedback to help participants refine and develop their projects.
3 Reasons to Participate:
Covered Areas:
The competition is open to students, PhD candidates, academic staff, and alumni (up to three years after graduation) from Heidelberg University, including the Medical Faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim.
Prize Fund:
🏆 1st place: €2,000 🥈 2nd place: €750 🥉 3rd place: €250
Selection Process:
📌 Submission: Apply by March 31, 2025 with a short project description.
📌 Finalists Announced: April 11, 2025.
📌 Pitch Training: Prepare for the final presentation in April.
📌 Final Event: Pitch your idea at IMPACT DAY on May 14, 2025.
Application Instructions:
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
📝 How to apply? Submit your idea via Pretix (first come, first served!).
My Comment:
The hei_INNOVATION Ideas Competition is your chance to bring groundbreaking ideas to life. With prize money, expert feedback, and networking opportunities, this event is an incredible opportunity for aspiring innovators at Heidelberg University.
I know this first-hand—I worked at hei_INNOVATION a few years ago and was part of building this competition. It’s designed to truly support and accelerate early-stage ideas. If you’re a researcher or student with an idea that could make an impact, don’t hesitate—apply now! 🚀
If you have questions, ask my former colleagues: Dr. Raoul Haschke Amina Daca Johanna Schwarz Katharina Kull et.al!
Don't Miss These Competitions & Events
Alright, let's start with amazing opportunities!
:-)
2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition
Are you an early-stage entrepreneur ready to take your business beyond Canada’s borders? The Startup Global Pitch Competition 2025 is your chance to showcase your export-ready innovation and compete for a share of $70,000 in cash prizes!
This year’s competition is open to Canadian startups looking to scale internationally, featuring:
🌍 Global Expansion Focus: For startups with the ambition and ability to export their products or services worldwide. 💡 Early-Stage Eligibility: Open to businesses with less than $1M in revenue, less than $1M in investment, and operating for under 5 years. 🎤 High-Stakes Pitching: Pitch in-person at Startup Canada Tour stops or virtually, with a chance to reach the Grand Finale in Mississauga!
How to participate:
📍 In-Person Pitches: Join one of our Startup Canada Tour stops in Calgary (April 29) or Mississauga (October 22).
💻 Virtual Pitches: Can’t attend in person? Apply for the virtual competition on April 7-8 and compete from anywhere!
Finalists will be flown to Mississauga in October for the Grand Finale, with transportation and accommodation covered by Startup Canada.
📝 Apply by: March 28, 2025 (or until spots are full)
🚀 Pitch. Connect. Expand. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business global—apply today!
BioLabs European Investor Day – Paris 2025! (Be Quick!) 🌍🔬
🚀 This exclusive event brings together Europe’s top 30 biotech startups and the most active life science investors for a day filled with high-impact pitches, strategic networking, and deep-tech innovation.
📍 Where? Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris
📅 When? March 11, 2025
🎤 What? Investor pitches, networking sessions & deep tech innovation
🤝 Who? Startups raising from Seed to Series A, top European & global investors
💡 I’ve personally trained some of the startups pitching at this event – come and see how they perform!
Don’t miss the chance to discover the future of biotech and expand your network in the European life science ecosystem.
Would you help someone you've never met, if it didn't cost you money, but you never got credit for it?
If so, I have a favor to ask. Many founders out there are struggling to build their businesses. Sometimes, by participating in a pitch competition, these founders not only have a chance to win prize money but also gain trust, self-confidence, and belief in their own ideas.
Please help me reach these founders by sharing this newsletter with them. Use the pre-written email below—just click on it, and you can use the text in the mailto link.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Share this newsletter on LinkedIn!
See You Next Month!
I wish you much success with your applications!
See you next month! :)
Best,
Bartosz
About Pitch-Competition-Alert
Pitch-Competition-Alert is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or non-use of the information provided.