Tuesday, August 29, 2023

1:00 PM 3:00 PM (EST)

2023 ZLI Alumni Virtual Pitch Competition and Showcase Application

This competition will take place on Zoom. The public can register to view the event. We will record the live pitches, but will only share the recording with participants.

See application requirements below.

A judging panel will review all submissions. 6-8 teams will be selected to compete at the LIVE Virtual event on August 29th. 

Applicants will also have a chance to be featured in the virtual Showcase (open August 22nd -August 29th) to bring brand awareness to our amazing alumni/ae startups.

Pitch Competition Application Criteria:

- You earned your U-M degree before June 2023

- The person on the team chosen to pitch must be the founder and a U-M alum

- Your company has raised < $500,000 in capital investment
- Your company has < $500,000 in annual revenue

- You haven't received money from any other ZLI program including, but not limited to, the Michigan Business Challenge, the Zell Entrepreneurs Program, the Desai Accelerator, or the Zell Founders' Fund after August 2021
* Alums that won money in the previous two alumni pitch competitions are not eligible to apply

July 31st-  Deadline to complete this application form and submit a 3 minute pitch as a Private YouTube Channel video (requirements below).

August 11th-  Date you will be notified by, IF you are invited to compete, based on your completed application and video submission.

Pitch Practice -  Pitch practice will be offered virtually on August 22nd and 23rd. You will be scheduled with a ZLI team member based upon availability. All participants are guaranteed one 30 minute session. Participants will have an opportunity to edit their decks based on feedback and resubmit before the live competition, if they so choose.

Tuesday, August 29th, at 1:00 PM (EST)-  LIVE Virtual Pitch event for a judging panel.

Prizes- The top three pitches, voted by a judging panel, will receive cash prizes, as will the Best Alumni Showcase, voted by the public.

Over $5,000 in prizes will be awarded, in addition to in-kind consulting from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors.

Things we suggest including in your 3 minute video:
- What is the problem you're solving?
- What are other people/companies currently doing to solve this problem?
- What is your solution?
- Why is your solution unique/better than existing solutions?
- Business model, i.e., how you make money?
- Why are you the one to do this?
- Who is your team? (Unique qualifications, interests, experience that makes you the right person/company to solve this problem)
- Has your company had any traction to date?
- What do you anticipate your next steps will be?

Please direct any questions to Drea (shippca@umich.edu).

Thanks to ZLI for news and the graphics for this virtual startup event.