70 semifinalists will compete at the Seedstars World Global Summit

More than 4000 startups have attempted to make their way to the Seedstars World Global Summit, according to Seedstars World. The event takes place on 6 April 2017 at the Swiss Tech Convention Center in Lausanne in Switzerland.

Startups from all over Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America, were chosen to represent their respective nations.

However, from the thousands that applied, only 70 startups were chosen to participate for a chance to win US$500 000 in equity investments.

The 70 finalists will have an opportunity to attend a two-day bootcamp where they’ll receive mentorship from top accelerators, such as The Founders Institute, eBay, Amazon, and SwissRE.

These mentors will help coach the finalists into polishing their business models, pitching skills as well as growth strategies. The finalists will also be receiving one-on-one sessions with investors, which will serve to eliminate most of the startups from the competition.

The Seedstars World Global Summit will see major startups compete for the grand prize of US$500000 in equity

Only 12 startups will take part in the final round taking place the day after the bootcamp is concluded.

Startups will be placed in and judged according to the following categories: Fintech, Education, Most Innovative Startup, Best Woman Entrepreneur, and the Public Vote winner. Successful startups in these categories will be awarded top investment prizes.

In addition to the US$500 000 in equity investment for the Seedstars World Global Winner, PayU will also be offering a chance for investment to the best Fintech Startup. They’ll also be offering access to the Seedstars Growth Programme along with five tickets to Silicon Valley for a fintech tour.

In partnership with TRECC, a grant of US$50 000 will be awarded to the best startup in education and in partnership with Intel will also be rewarding the best IT startup. Hublot, a luxury timepiece company will also be awarding the best innovative startup and the best woman entrepreneur with their own timepieces.

Featured image: Tans via Flickr.