PITCH YOUR STARTUP ON SA’S BIGGEST STAGE!
The Open Letter, together with AfricArena, are looking for three seed-stage startups to pitch on the main stage at this year's AfricArena summit happening 2-3 December 2025 in Cape Town.
FINALIST WILL RECEIVE
- Pitch your startup in front of 50+ investors from across the world at AfricArena grand summit
- Attend the AfricArena Startup Bootcamp worth R5,000
- Get a one-year The Founder Collab subscription worth R6,000
- Get featured in The Open Letter — priceless
Entries close Monday, 17 November 2025, at midnight.
ENTER HERE
AfricArena × The Open Letter Pitch Competition – Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions govern participation in the AfricArena × The Open Letter Pitch Competition (“the Competition”). By entering, applicants agree to be bound by these terms.
1. Eligibility
The Competition is open to seed-stage startups operating in or from South Africa. Applicants must be 18 years or older and authorised representatives of the startup they enter. Startups must be available to attend in person in Cape Town on the following dates (at their own cost): 30 Nov – 1 Dec 2025 for the optional Startup Bootcamp, and 2 – 3 Dec 2025 for the AfricArena Summit and pitch competition.
2. Entry Process
All entries must be submitted via the official application form hosted by The Open Letter. Only complete applications will be considered. Entries must be received no later than Monday, 17 November 2025 at 23:59 (SAST). Late submissions will not be accepted. The Open Letter team will review all applications and select three finalists at its sole discretion.
3. Finalists & Prizes
Each of the three finalists will receive a free ticket to the AfricArena Summit, a one-year membership to The Founder Collab (valued at R6 000), free access to the Startup Bootcamp (valued at R3 500), and a five-minute pitch slot on the AfricArena main stage. Prizes are not transferable, not exchangeable, and not redeemable for cash. Travel, accommodation, meals, and other related expenses are the responsibility of the startup.
4. Attendance & Replacements
If a finalist cannot attend the Bootcamp or pitch at the AfricArena Summit on the required dates, The Open Letter reserves the right to withdraw their finalist position and select a replacement startup. Failure to attend mandatory sessions may result in forfeiture of the finalist position.
5. Conduct & Content
Participants must present accurate and truthful information about their startup. Pitches and event footage may be recorded, photographed, and shared on The Open Letter, AfricArena, and partner channels. By entering, participants grant The Open Letter permission to use their name, logo, company description, photos, and pitch materials for promotional use without additional compensation.
6. Intellectual Property
Startups retain full ownership of their intellectual property. The Open Letter and AfricArena accept no responsibility for any IP disputes arising from submissions or presentations.
7. Disclaimers
The Open Letter reserves the right to cancel or amend the Competition, modify dates, format, judging process, or prizes, or disqualify entries that violate these terms or contain misleading information. If the event or competition is cancelled, no compensation, refund, or alternative prize will be provided.
8. Judging & Selection
Finalists and winners will be selected by The Open Letter team and invited judges. Selection criteria may include problem-solution fit, traction, clarity of pitch, scalability, and team capability. All judging decisions are final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. Limitation of Liability
Participants acknowledge they are entering and attending at their own risk. The Open Letter, AfricArena, and related partners are not liable for costs associated with attendance, personal injury, loss, or damage, or travel disruptions or force-majeure events. The Open Letter is not responsible for technical or connectivity issues affecting submissions.
10. Privacy
Application data will be used solely for communication about the Competition and related startup opportunities. Data will be stored securely and handled in accordance with The Open Letter’s privacy policy.
11. Acceptance of Terms
Submission of the application form constitutes full acceptance of these terms and conditions. Participants are responsible for reviewing and understanding these terms before entering.
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