Applications Open for Seed/Early-Stage Pitch Contest 'StartupGo!Go! The Pitch'

StartupGoGo (Representative: Toshiyasu Kishihara) and GxPartners LLP (Representative Partners: Toshiyasu Kishihara, Ken Nakahara, Hiroshi Terai) will hold 'StartupGo!Go! The Pitch,' one of Kyushu's largest pitch events for seed and early-stage startups.

This event is co-hosted with 'FFG Mirai no Kaigi,' and applications are open from Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to Monday, August 10, 2026.

[About StartupGo!Go! The Pitch] This contest, now in its 13th year, is part of the 'StartupGo!Go!' series. Last year saw a record-breaking 252 applications. The winner receives a 1 million JPY prize, and semi-finalists are eligible for various sponsored awards. Many startups have successfully secured funding and partnerships through this competition.

This year's theme, 'Bridge to your [ ],' aims to create a venue that serves as a bridge for the next step in a startup's journey.

[Contest Overview] - Date: Friday, October 9, 2026 - Venue: ONE FUKUOKA Conference Hall, THE BALLROOM (6F, ONE FUKUOKA BLDG, 1-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City)

[Application Requirements] - Total equity funding under 100 million JPY as of May 20, 2026 (excluding debt finance). - Pre-seed or early-stage startup (pre-incorporation is acceptable). - Ability to attend the final in person.

[Selection Process] Includes document screening and selections at accredited pitch events.

[Judges] Comprised of over 20 major domestic VCs, corporate new business development representatives, and industry experts.