IDEApitch Prize Competition
Funding Amount
$100,000 - $250,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
IDEApitch Prize Competition
Status: Active annual 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:
Focus Areas:
Eligibility:
Prize Structure:
Investment Terms:
All IDEApitch recipients must meet Momentum Fund criteria:
Contact: innovation@ideavillage.org
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
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
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
Browse similar grants by category
Related Grants
Similar grants from this funder and related organizations
Elm City Opportunity Fund
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
AgLaunch365 Accelerator
Amount
$100,000 initial investment, with additional milestone-based capital available
Deadline
Closed
AgLaunch Virtual Bootcamps
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Closed
SBIR Innovative Molecular Analysis Technology (IMAT) Development for Cancer Research and Clinical Care
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
NIH Niche Assessment Program
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
New Venture Pitch Competition
Amount
$1,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to apply for IDEApitch Prize Competition?
Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.