Bold Ideas 🤝 Big Investors: PitchFest returns with $20K Grand Prize

Feb 11-12, 2026

CoinDesk PitchFest—Your Road to Raise Capital

Last year, TransCrypts won first place for our first-ever PitchFest in Hong Kong. Their pitch? On-chain identity verification. The prize? $10,000 in tokens, a trophy, and ten coaching sessions from top VCs.

Months later, founder and CEO Zain Zaidi closed on a $15 MILLION USD seed round with Pantera Capital and Mark Cuban, with plans to expand identity verification into healthcare and education.

This year, the grand prize is $20,000 USD.

We're looking for promising startups ready to scale from serious idea towards Series A. Startups can bring their team at reduced rates with our 3-for-1 Startup Package. Once you've registered, you'll be invited to compete in PitchFest.

Eligibility for PitchFest

Registered as a Consensus Startup
Less than $5M in funding
Less than 5 years old
Focused on Web3, AI, or blockchain

At PitchFest, you can win more than just cash:

$20,000 USD Grand Prize
Live Feedback from Top Global VCs
Exclusive CoinDesk Live Interview
Coverage across CoinDesk media & socials
(2) VIP Piranha Passes for Consensus Miami

Could your startup be the next unicorn?
PitchFest finalists represent a growing network of startups that have gone on to secure millions. Now's your chance to step into the spotlight and secure that kind of funding for yourself.

Get 3 Pro Passes for $3297$599
Prices increase Dec 12 at 10:00 AM ET / 11:00 PM HKT.

3-FOR-1 STARTUP PACKAGE

Sponsorship Deadline Approaching!

The industry's top brands will make an impression on 15,000 decision-makers joining us in Hong Kong—will you? Custom sponsorship packages are still available, but remaining opportunities are flying fast.

Click here to find one that aligns with your business goals.