Startup World Cup
New Zealand Final
Startup World Cup is a global pitch competition powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, connecting top startups to investors and the chance to pitch in Silicon Valley for a USD $1 million investment prize.
Each year, we host the New Zealand Final in Wellington, bringing together startups from across the motu to pitch live in front of an expert judging panel, investors, and the wider innovation community.
Congratulations to our 2025 winner, Scentian Bio, who received flights and support to represent Aotearoa on the global stage in Silicon Valley on 17 October 2025. The event also celebrated exceptional founders across the finalist cohort, including Forever Harvest and UunaFit.
From 100+ countries sending their best startups to compete, Scentian Bio made it to the Grand Finale Top 10, standing tall among the world’s best.
Stay tuned for 2026 for your chance to compete and take your startup further.
2025 competition proudly supported by:
Meet the 2025 finalists
Thank you, judges
Brianne West
Environmentalist and entrepreneur
Byron van Vugt
Investment Manager
Elena Higgison
GM Iwi Business Services
Marcel van den Assum
Angel Investor
Sophie Yao
Managing Director
Looking back: 2024 winners and success stories
After pitching at the 2024 Startup World Cup, Natalia Lopez and Kitea Health secured national recognition, launched clinical trials, raised a $10M funding round, and emerged as leading advocates for deep tech innovation in New Zealand.
Check out how The Post and Stuff News covered Kitea Health’s recognition following their Startup World Cup success, including national awards and industry praise.
