TikTok launches elevator pitch for SA entrepreneurs 

Globally popular social media platform, TikTok has partnered with The Gritti Fund, the world’s first purpose-driven and happiness-focused investment fund alongside renowned global entrepreneurs to launch world-first Pitch Up In The Sky for South African entrepreneurs. 

Entrants stand a chance at winning $10 000 and a one-year mentorship programme

Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok Content Operations Manager, Africa says that it has always been TikTok’s mission to inspire creativity and bring joy to its users and the launch of such a unique event is a testament to that.

 “Through this event, we aim to support our local community of budding entrepreneurs by providing them with the opportunity to creatively express their ideas with the possibility that those ideas may materialise.”

Pitch Up In The Sky is the world’s first elevator pitching event of its kind and is as literal as it sounds. The chosen finalists of the competition will have to pitch their business model while skydiving in Dubai. 

In an official statement, TikTok explains why the elevator pitch challenge is unique, leaving out a few details and adding to the mystery and excitement. 

“Pitch Up In The Sky is the ultimate elevator pitch for daring entrepreneurs who can overcome their fears and stay cool under pressure.”

Pitch Up In The Sky 

Entrants stand a chance of winning $10 000 in investment funding and a one-year mentorship programme facilitated by The Gritti Fund.

The top three finalists of this exciting competition will be awarded the once in a lifetime chance to skydive in Dubai, while simultaneously completing their winning elevator pitches. 

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts who will conduct personal interviews with applicants on their challenges that lead to their success. 

The judging panel will include world-famous entrepreneurs and venture capitalists including Founding Executive of Netflix – Mitch Lowe; first investor in Zoom – Bill Tai; and inventor of Google Maps – Lars Rasmussen. 

Marcel Muenster, a serial entrepreneur and founder of The Gritti Fund, adds that the partnership with TikTok not only provides locals with access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs but also a global platform on which they can share their ideas.

“Growing your network is one thing, but TikTok does something more valuable – it gives entrepreneurs an unprecedented amount of visibility which is crucial at an early stage of the company building process.”

How to enter TikTok elevator pitch 

The competition is open to founders of early-stage startups in Africa and the Middle East. 

Entrants can apply online and submit an innovative one-minute TikTok video pitch. The one-minute video must impress the panel of globally renowned judges using TikTok’s easy-to-use video editing and by tagging #PitchUpInTheSky.

Applications for this world-first elevator pitch competition will close on 24 September 2020. 

The finale of the competition will take place on 17 October and aims to be the most live-streamed start-up pitch event in history. 

As part of the initiative, local TikTok users will be able to view the pitches tagged #PitchUpInTheSky as well as interviews with the judging panel of world-famous entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, giving entrants and TikTok users insight on their personal challenges and successes.

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Featured image: TikTok (Supplied)