IDEApitch Prize Competition

When: Traditionally held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW)

Geographic Scope: Gulf South region, with emphasis on New Orleans and Louisiana

Overview:
IDEApitch is the region's industry-leading pitch competition where founders from the VILLAGEx accelerator showcase their companies and pitch for investment prizes through the Momentum Fund. The competition has been reimagined as a way for VILLAGEx alumni to compete for larger investment allocations while showcasing their startups to a broader audience of investors, peers, and the startup community.

Purpose:
To provide a platform for high-growth VILLAGEx alumni companies to:

• Showcase their startups live on stage
• Network with investors, peers, and community
• Compete for investment prizes through the Momentum Fund

Focus Areas:

• Venture-scale startups from VILLAGEx program
• Companies seeking to raise at least $1M in next 24 months

Eligibility:

• Must be: VILLAGEx accelerator alumni
• Founders selected as "finalists" for IDEApitch competition
• All VILLAGEx alumni eligible for standard $100,000 Momentum Fund investment if they meet fund criteria

Prize Structure:

• Finalists (3 companies selected): Eligible for $100,000+ investment through Momentum Fund
• Grand Prize Winner: Eligible for $250,000 investment prize through Momentum Fund
• All prizes subject to Momentum Fund investment terms and conditions

Investment Terms:
All IDEApitch recipients must meet Momentum Fund criteria:

• Raise minimum $400,000 from outside investors
• Agree to Momentum Fund investment terms
• Close investment within 18 months of program graduation

Organization:
The Idea Village, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, 900 Camp Street, Suite 308, New Orleans, LA 70130

Related Event: New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) — annual celebration featuring keynotes, pitch competitions, workshops, and networking opportunities

How to Apply for IDEApitch

Eligibility:

1. Must be a VILLAGEx accelerator alumni company
2. Be selected as an IDEApitch finalist (typically 3 companies compete)

Selection Process:

1. Be Part of VILLAGEx Program:
   • Successfully graduate from The Idea Village's VILLAGEx accelerator program
   • Demonstrate venture-scale startup potential (aiming to raise $1M+ in next 24 months)
2. Finalist Selection:
   • Each year, three companies are selected to compete as "finalists"
   • Selection based on company potential, traction, and market opportunity
   • Contact The Idea Village for specific selection criteria and timeline
3. Pitch Preparation:
   • Develop professional investor pitch deck (supported during VILLAGEx program)
   • Prepare 3-5 minute pitch presentation
   • Participate in pitch coaching (provided as part of VILLAGEx)
4. Competition:
   • Present pitch live on stage during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW)
   • Network with investors, peers, and startup community
   • Judged by diverse panel of investors and industry experts
5. Prize Award:
   • Grand prize winner announced and awarded
   • Winner eligible for $250,000 investment from Momentum Fund
   • Finalists eligible for $100,000+ investment from Momentum Fund

Next Steps After Prize:
If awarded investment:

1. Meet with Momentum Fund investment board
2. Negotiate and finalize investment terms
3. Ensure company meets all Momentum Fund criteria (especially $400K outside investment requirement)
4. Close investment within 18 months of award

Contact for Application Details:
Email: innovation@ideavillage.org
Phone: Available Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm CST
Address: 900 Camp Street, Suite 308, New Orleans, LA 70130