Deel launches The Pitch, a US$15 million global startup tournament

Deel has announced the launch of The Pitch, a new international competition aimed at identifying and backing the next generation of seed-stage founders. The global HR and payroll platform said the initiative is designed to level the playing field for startups by spotlighting talent based on merit rather than geography or personal networks.

Unveiled in Singapore on 9 February, The Pitch will reach more than 20,000 startups across seven global regions. The programme will culminate in a total investment pool of up to US$15 million. Up to 100 regional winners will each receive US$50,000 in investment, while up to ten global champions will be awarded US$1 million each to help scale their businesses.

According to the company, the initiative reflects its broader ambition to support founders operating in an increasingly borderless economy. By leveraging its international footprint, Deel aims to connect high-potential startups with capital and exposure beyond their home markets.

A more selective approach to venture funding

Deel positions The Pitch as a departure from traditional venture capital models, which it says are often shaped by local networks and existing relationships. Instead, the tournament format combines a competitive selection process with expert review, analysing a wide range of data points to identify what it describes as high-signal startups.

The final selection rate is expected to be just 0.05 per cent, making the programme more selective than many of the world’s leading startup accelerators. By setting such a high bar, Deel aims to create a globally recognised platform that signals quality and credibility to investors and partners.

Applications are now open to seed-stage founders worldwide. The competition journey will include seven in-person regional finals held in established technology hubs, including Singapore, New York, London and Berlin. The global finale is scheduled for May 2026.

By combining online applications with physical finals in major startup ecosystems, the programme seeks to balance global accessibility with in-person engagement, giving shortlisted founders the opportunity to present directly to judges and investors.

Backed by major financial and technology partners

The Pitch is presented by J.P. Morgan, highlighting the level of institutional backing behind the initiative. The programme is also supported by a group of high-profile partners, including a16z, dLocal, Google, Orrick, Prodware, Ribbit Ventures and Stripe.

The involvement of established venture firms, technology companies and financial institutions suggests that participating startups may benefit from more than funding alone. In addition to capital, finalists are expected to gain visibility within influential global networks spanning finance, legal services, payments and enterprise technology.

For Deel, the launch of The Pitch aligns with its positioning as a platform built for globally distributed teams and cross-border operations. As startups increasingly operate across multiple jurisdictions from day one, access to international infrastructure and support has become a strategic advantage.

With a US$15 million investment pool and a highly selective screening process, The Pitch reflects a growing interest in structured, global competitions that aim to identify standout founders regardless of location. The global finale in May 2026 will determine which startups emerge as the programme’s inaugural champions.