May 14-16, 2025
CoinDesk Toronto
PitchFest 2025
PitchFest is the Consensus startup competition that showcases the world's most promising early-stage Web3 companies in a live onstage pitching battle. Register your Startup and apply for PitchFest.
Register
Pictured: Consensus 2024 Judges Bill Tai, Founder of KiteVC, David Pakman, Managing Partner of CoinFund, Soona Amhaz, GP of Volt Capital
What is CoinDesk PitchFest?
Consensus is the world's largest, longest-running and most influential gathering that brings together all sides of the Digital Assets, Web3 and AI communities.
At the heart of Consensus lies CoinDesk PitchFest – our dynamic startup competition that spotlights the most promising early-stage Web3 companies from around the world in a live onstage pitching battle.
PitchFest is a celebration of tomorrow's companies by today's builders. It's your chance to showcase your startup to the largest gathering of Web3 investors in the world.
Who is it for?
We're seeking the most promising early-stage Web3, AI or Blockchain startups to step onto the stage in Toronto. If your startup is redefining the Web3 landscape, we want you!
Eligibility for PitchFest:
- To apply for PitchFest you must be a registered Consensus startup
- Less than $5M in funding
- Less than 5 years old
- Focused on Web3, AI or blockchain-oriented companies or projects
This is your moment to shine in front of those who are funding the future of Web3.
PitchFest Information
We are on the lookout for the most promising early-stage Web3, AI or Blockchain startups, teams and creators who are eager to take center stage at Consensus in Toronto. The competition is open to startups, chains, teams, projects or communities that meet the following criteria:
- Have received less than $5 million in funding
- Are Less than 5 years old
- Are Web3-oriented companies or projects
To apply for PitchFest you must be a registered Consensus startup.
The PitchFest winner will receive:
- Exclusive interview on CoinDesk Live post-announcement
- Prominent exposure across CoinDesk's various media platforms & social handles
- Two VIP Piranha Passes for Consensus 2026
- More prizes to be announced
To apply for PitchFest you must be a registered Consensus startup.
PitchFest Submission: Startups should submit their applications for PitchFest via the Startup portal
by April 11, 2025.
A core component of your product must be related to Web3, AI or blockchain technology.
Additionally, your startup must be less than five years old and have raised less than $5 million in funding.
PitchFest Selection - Group Round:
A panel of CoinDesk experts will evaluate all applications and
make their decisions by April 25, 2025. The chosen founders will have the opportunity to deliver
their three-minute pitch live on stage at Consensus on the 15th of May 2025, followed by a brief
Q&A session. Distinguished judges from the industry will then select the finalists.
PitchFest Live - Final Round:
The winning founders will present their pitches on the final day of Consensus. The CoinDesk
Toronto PitchFest 2025 champion will be crowned during this thrilling finale.
For a detailed understanding of the rules and regulations, please refer to the CoinDesk PitchFest Official Rules here.
What previous participants say about PitchFest
