Salesforce announced the inaugural edition of AI Pitchfield, the first-ever startup pitch competition by the Salesforce Startup Community in collaboration with Salesforce Ventures, Lightspeed India and Khaitan & Co. The competition aims at bringing together B2B SaaS, AI-first, and AI-focused startups in India and across Southeast Asia offering them a chance secure an investment of $100K from Salesforce Ventures for the best pitch.
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John Somorjai, President, Salesforce Ventures, said, “With the agent-fueld AI revolution charging ahead, there is an endless runway for innovation. In fact, the pace of transformation is faster than ever. By providing startups with the resources, exposure, and support they need to succeed, AI Pitchfield is empowering the next generation of AI leaders to shape a brighter future for all. AI Pitchfield is more than just a competition; it is a catalyst for innovation and a driving force behind the growth of the AI ecosystem in India and Singapore.”
AI Pitchfield aims at encouraging growing and established startups by offering an opportunity to pitch their unique business ideas. Shortlisted startups will receive an opportunity to pitch in front of a jury consisting of Arundhathi Bhattacharya, CEO and Chairperson, Salesforce India; investors from Salesforce Ventures and leading executives and personalities from the Indian tech ecosystem.
Sanket Atal, SVP and Managing Director – Operations & Technology, Salesforce India said, “In today’s world, AI is a key driver of innovation, offering startups immense potential to overcome challenges and achieve success. AI Pitchfield serves as a dynamic platform that brings together like-minded entrepreneurs, enabling them to network, collaborate, and share ideas. By fostering connections, facilitating engagement with ecosystem partners, and providing investment opportunities, we are dedicated to empowering startups to harness the power of AI, bring their ideas to life, and shape the future of technology.”
How to Apply for Salesforce AI Pitchfield
Startups eligible for AI Pitchfield may apply by submitting the necessary details and resources through the competition website’s application form, from 21 October 2024 to 30 November 2024. Salesforce Ventures, along with the Salesforce Startup Community, will review submitted applications to shortlist the top five finalists who will pitch live in the grand finale on 9 January 2025.
Eligibility Criteria to Participate in Salesforce AI Pitchfield
Interested startups may apply for the opportunity by submitting a pitch deck, product demo video, and financial information on the AI Pitchfield website. Some of the perquisites the startups must posses qualify for AI Pitchfield are as follows:
- Provide a B2B SaaS, AI-first, or AI-enabled products or services in the technology space.
- Be in the pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage of fundraising.
- Have received at least $500,000 in prior venture funding from a reputable venture capital firm.
- Have at least five paying customers.
- Be incorporated as a corporation based in India or Singapore.
- At the time of the competition award, be recognized as a “startup” as defined by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India, for India-based entrants.
Those who wish to apply may visit the AI Pitchfield website for further details and formalities.
