Global HR and payroll platform Deel has launched The Pitch, an international startup competition aimed at identifying and backing the most promising seed-stage founders worldwide, regardless of geography or network access.
The initiative seeks to level the playing field for early-stage entrepreneurs by shifting the focus from location and connections to merit and measurable potential.
By tapping into Deel’s global footprint, the company hopes to surface high-growth startups that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional venture capital pipelines.
The competition is expected to engage more than 20,000 startups across seven global regions, with a total investment pool of up to US$15 million.
Under the program, up to 100 regional winners will each receive US$50,000 in funding, while up to ten global champions will secure US$1 million each to accelerate product development and market expansion.
Deel said The Pitch represents a new approach to venture selection, combining a tournament-style format with data-driven evaluation. Instead of relying primarily on local investor networks, the program will use expert review and multiple performance indicators to identify what it calls “high-signal” startups.
With a final acceptance rate of just 0.05%, The Pitch is positioned to be more selective than many of the world’s leading startup accelerators, underscoring its goal of spotlighting only the strongest early-stage companies.
Global startup pitch opens doors beyond borders
Applications are now open to seed-stage founders globally. The competition will progress through seven in-person regional finals to be held in major technology hubs including Singapore, New York, London, and Berlin, before culminating in a global finale scheduled for May 2026.
The initiative is presented by J.P. Morgan with support from a group of major technology and investment players, including a16z, dLocal, Google, Orrick, Prodware, Ribbit Ventures, and Stripe.
For founders, the program offers more than just capital. Deel said participants will gain exposure to global investors, access to expert networks, and opportunities to showcase their products on an international stage through livestreamed events.
As competition for venture funding remains tight in many markets, The Pitch signals a growing push toward alternative funding pathways that prioritize scalable ideas over geographic advantage—potentially opening doors for startups in emerging ecosystems, including Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
More details on eligibility, application requirements, and event schedules are available on the Deel Pitch page.
