FETC Pitchfest FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements for startups applying? 

• Submit an application, which includes a $149 registration fee 
   
• Have a product that serves the K-12 market.
   

• Product must be primarily delivered through a mobile application, web-based platform, or electronic hardware.  

• Have an active website that highlights the product. 

• Have not raised over $8 million in funds from combined funding sources at the time of application. 

• Must attend Pitchfest Participant Workshop on January 15, 2025.  

• Must attend Pitchfest on January 16, 2025.  

When is the application deadline? 
The application deadline is November 8, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST. 

What does it cost to apply to Pitchfest? 
Standard Application Fee: $149. 

How will I know if I have been selected to participate? 
All applicants will receive an email notification indicating whether or not they have been selected to participate in Pitchfest. 

How many products/services can I submit to Pitchfest? 
Each startup will be allowed to submit only one product/service at this year's event. Startups who enter more than one product/service will not be eligible to participate. 
 
Will I receive a registration to FETC if I am selected? 
Startups selected as Pitchfest finalists will receive two (2) complimentary expo only registrations for FETC 2025 (value of $319). These complimentary registrations must be assigned to specific individuals presenting at the event. We cannot issue a refund if you have already registered for FETC. 

What type of payment is accepted for participation? 
Application fees are accepted online by credit or debit card through the Pitchfest Application Page. 

When will selected startups receive notification? 
Pitchfest Finalist and Alternates will be notified by November 20, 2024. 

How long will my Pitchfest presentation be? 
Each startup will receive: 

• 1 minute for set up 

• 3 minutes to pitch 

During the presentation to the judges, how many people can be on stage presenting? 
Each participating startup will have only one representative presenting to the judges. 

Who are the Pitchfest judges? 
Each judge is a district administrator, teacher, parent, investor, or industry expert. There will be a minimum of three panelists judging each round. 

What about my intellectual property? 
You, the applicant, are solely responsible for protecting your intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, etc.) in your idea. If you think you have intellectual property rights or you might want to patent your idea someday, it is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney before disclosing this information in your application. 

Applicants are expected to submit a compelling presentation without disclosing critical intellectual property. By applying, you acknowledge that applying for Pitchfest could disclose your intellectual property if such information is included. 

FETC is not in a position to protect or advise you on your intellectual property rights and does not take any responsibility for doing so. Additionally, FETC does not require non-disclosure agreements or other confidentiality obligations from anyone involved in the Pitchfest process. 

Can I talk about fundraising in my presentation? 
Participating startups should not mention their fundraising activities and plans in their presentations and presentation materials. Examples include whether the startup is fundraising, how much a startup has raised, financial projections, and terms of the offering. Please reserve all conversations about fundraising for private one-on-one meetings with known accredited investors. 

Due to the new rules under the JOBS Act regarding general solicitation, FETC requires that participating startups rely upon SEC Rule 506(b) (i.e., not use the event's general solicitation to offer or sell securities). FETC strongly encourages you to become familiar with the new rules under the JOBS Act and to consult experienced legal counsel about applicable securities regulations. By participating in Pitchfest, you agree that FETC does not give investment legal advice and that you are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable securities laws. 

How many winners will there be? 
There will be one winner from each round. Winners will be announced onsite at the Pitchfest Award Show on Thursday, January 16, 2025. 

What will the winners receive? 
Winners from each round will receive the following: 

• A Special Pitchfest 2025 Winner Badge (Digital) & Trophy 

• 1 Promotional FETC Social Post

The overall Pitchfest 2025 winner will receive the following: 

• Partner Email Broadcast ($5,000 value)  
   

• Sponsored Content Ad in the DA Daily Newsletter ($1,350 value) 

Can I get a refund of my application or registration fee? 
No refund will be given to any application that has been submitted. If you have any concerns regarding our fees and/or the application process, please contact pitchfest@fetc.org before applying. If you register to attend before being notified by FETC of your status as an applicant to Pitchfest, you will not be eligible for a refund.