SXSW Pitch is an open-application startup competition run by SXSW, LLC in Austin, Texas, operating annually since 2009 (originally SXSW Accelerator). Selection is a two-stage process: the SXSW Pitch Advisory Board reviews and scores submissions to name finalists and alternates across eight categories, and finalists pitch live to a panel of named external judges (industry experts, VCs, angel investors) who select one winner per category plus a Best in Show. Published figures show high selectivity (40 finalists from 740 applications in 2023; ~1% winner rate), a stated one-winner-per-category cap, and past winners published and verifiable in the SXSW Pitch archive. A non-refundable application fee ($105 early bird / $225 regular) is disclosed and buys consideration only, not the award; no mandatory post-win fees are documented. Sponsorship disclosure could not be verified on the primary pages reviewed and is dashed; the gala/trophy/logo cost items are not stated and are removed. All assessable criteria are verified good, yielding 91.5 of 91.5 assessable points.
Founded 2009 · SXSW, LLC · HQ Austin, Texas, USA · Technology & Software · Entry Paid
SXSW Pitch (formerly SXSW Accelerator) is an annual startup showcase and competition held during the SXSW Conference & Festivals in Austin, Texas, in which companies apply through an open call, a SXSW Pitch Advisory Board reviews and scores submissions to select finalists across eight categories, and finalists pitch live to a panel of judges who name one winner per category plus a Best in Show.
Profile data
| Organizer | SXSW, LLC |
| Location | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Entry fee | $105 |
| Cost to receive award | None |
| Winner rate | ~1% winners |
| Selection authority | Mixed |
| Data confidence | ● Fully documented |
| Official site | https://sxsw.com/pitch/(nofollow) |
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