2026 JBS SA Venture Capital Showcase Pitch Competition 15 April 2026

Description

The 2026 International Kingdom Conference will take place 15 - 17 April 2026.

The 2026 Joseph Business School South Africa Venture Capital Showcase Pitch Competition (JBSSA2026VCS) is scheduled for

15 April 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Registration and submission deadline is 22 March 2026. 

JBSSA2026VCS is designed to connect entrepreneurs with industry-leading investors and business experts. This experience kicks off with an electrifying pitch competition where participants present their innovative business ideas before a panel of live judges—comprised of seasoned venture capitalists, angel investors, and successful entrepreneurs. Contestants will receive real-time feedback, strategic insights, and potential funding opportunities to take their businesses to the next level.

There are two rounds for the Venture Capital Showcase:

1. The initial submission (Completed electronically via our online judging platform Judgify. The link will be sent after registration. If you do not submit documentation in Judgify, your business will not be considered)

2. The final round, In-person only on 15 April 2026

After the initial submission deadline ends, all entries will be judged, and up to 10 finalists will be identified and notified via email that they have been selected to pitch live and in person during the final round.

To enter, you must submit the following to Judgify (once registration is complete):

Venture Capital Showcase

1. One 30 Second Intro Video (optional)

2. One 3-Minute PITCH video

3. One high-resolution headshot

4. A 12-Slide Pitch Deck (PowerPoint Presentation, see below)

Please note that if your entry is for an invention, it must be patented or patent-pending.

Beginning on the close of business on 1 April 2026, finalists will be notified that they have been selected to pitch on 15 April 2026. Finalists MUST give their pitches in person - there will be no virtual finalists.

There will be no walk-up entries on the day of the live pitches! All entries must have gone through the first round judging process.

The Venture Capital Showcase Pitch Deck should include the following slides in this order:

1. Title: Business name, logo, and tagline
2. Problem: What unique problem are you solving for your customers?
3. Solution/Key value proposition: How are you providing a real solution to your customer? Include the benefits/value the business brings to your customers.
4. Product or Service Description: Provide an overview of your product or service, including the Kingdom Impact (How you do business while doing good).
5.  Market Analysis: Who is your target market? How big is your addressable customer market? What is your Customer Profile? (Who specifically is your ideal customer? Age, gender, education level, etc.)
6. Customer Acquisition Strategy: Who is your target market, and what is your go-to-market strategy? (How do you plan to secure customers?)
7. Competition: How are you different from other companies serving your customers' needs? What is your distinct value proposition or competitive advantage?
8. Business model: How will the business make money?
9. Profitability and Scalability: What is your timeline to profitability? How do you plan to scale the business?
10. Founding Team and Advisors: List your founding team and advisors of your business.
11. Funding Ask: How much funding? How will you use the funds? If applicable, provide how you envision an exit (e.g., acquisition, IPO)
12. Closing/Call to Action: Invite investors to meet, discuss further, or schedule a follow-up call. Include the best way to contact you.