Startup302 Early Stage Funding Competition – US

Startup302’s goals are to strengthen Delaware’s innovation ecosystem by improving access to funding and mentorship for underrepresented entrepreneurs while fostering diverse perspectives, promoting inclusive and equitable consideration, and attracting diverse communities of founders to the region. We believe that Startup302 is a perfect launch pad for those entrepreneurs who need a boost for their venture.

Entrepreneurs from across the U.S. will compete for non-dilutive funding, access to mentors and valuable connections.

Tracks

• Early-Stage
  • Early-stage innovators who have generated less than $10,000 in annual revenue and have raised less than $50,000 in dilutive and/or non-dilutive funding.
• FinTech
  • Innovations across sectors, with a focus on fintech, automation, big data, health tech, SaaS and e-commerce innovations for financial services.
• Life Sciences
  • Startups in therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, nutrition, industrial biotechnology, agriculture biotechnology and other life sciences.
• Environmental Impact
  • Startups in cleantech, chemical ingredients from naturally derived sources and ocean-safe products that focus on environmental impact.
• Delaware Impact
  • Startups residing in Delaware that are tech-enabled – not building the internet, mobile devices or social media platforms but using those technologies.
• Additional Prizes
  • Cash awards for startups with founders who are University of Delaware alumni, grad Students faculty and that have primary operations in the State of Delaware.

Prizes

• Awards change each year based on sponsorship amounts.
• Prizes can be anywhere from $3,000-$25,000.
• Funds will be awarded as grants, with certain awards having geographic restrictions.
• Prizes are non-dilutive, so winners aren’t required to share ownership in their companies.

Eligibility Criteria

• Technology startups with at least one founding member from an underrepresented group: women, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Startups in bioscience, chemistry, advanced materials, agriculture, financial/business services, e-sports and other tech-enabled areas.
• Business models with potential for significant regional, national or international impact.
• All applications must be submitted in English. Startup302’s sponsored awards may have additional restrictions and eligibility requirements which will be made clear to applicants under consideration for those awards.
  • All contestants must be 21+ years of age
  • Eligible contestants can be gay, straight, bi-sexual, non-binary, transgender, etc. as long as their gender identity matches the category for which they’re competing

Excluded Applicants

The following businesses are not eligible for the Competition:

• Retail businesses with brick-and-mortar storefronts,
• Residential real estate business,
• Investment vehicles that invest in the securities of other entities,
• Sports venues,
• Places of overnight accommodation,
• Entertainment-related establishments, and
• Single-purpose entertainment or event productions (e.g. movies, albums, concerts).

For more information, visit Delaware Prosperity Partnership.