May 5-7, 2026
CoinDesk PitchFest
CoinDesk PitchFest is the Consensus Miami’s startup competition that showcases the world's most promising early-stage blockchain, Web3, and AI companies. Contestants pitch live onstage to a panel of investors for a chance to win prizes and secure funding. Eligible startups are invited to apply by March 17, 2026.
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Pictured: Vito Giovannetti, COO of ChainPatrol, accepting the prize for CoinDesk PitchFest at Consensus 2025 in Toronto.
What is CoinDesk PitchFest?
Consensus is the world's largest, longest-running and most influential gathering that brings together all sides of the Digital Assets, Web3 and AI communities.
At the heart of Consensus lies CoinDesk PitchFest – our dynamic startup competition that spotlights the most promising early-stage Web3 companies from around the world in a live onstage pitching battle.
PitchFest is a celebration of tomorrow's companies by today's builders. It's your chance to showcase your startup to the largest gathering of Web3 investors in the world.
Alumni Success Stories
Winner 2023
Amount Raised: $10M
Hybrid Payments Platform
Finalist 2023
Amount Raised: $10M
Digital Assets Platform
Finalist 2024
Amount Raised: $7M
Decentralized AI Ecosystem
Finalist 2024
Amount Raised: $8M
Real World Asset Protocol
Who is it for?
We're seeking the most promising early-stage Web3, AI or Blockchain startups to step onto the stage in Miami. If your startup is redefining the Web3 landscape, we want you!
Eligibility for PitchFest:
- To apply for PitchFest you must be a registered Consensus startup
- Less than $5M in funding
- Less than 5 years old
- Focused on Web3, AI or blockchain-oriented companies or projects
This is your moment to shine in front of those who are funding the future of Web3.
PitchFest Information
We are on the lookout for the most promising early-stage Web3, AI or Blockchain startups, teams and creators who are eager to take center stage at Consensus in Toronto. The competition is open to startups, chains, teams, projects or communities that meet the following criteria:
- Have received less than $5 million in funding
- Are Less than 5 years old
- Are Web3-oriented companies or projects
To apply for PitchFest you must be a registered Consensus startup.
The PitchFest winner will receive:
- Exclusive interview on CoinDesk Live post-announcement
- Prominent exposure across CoinDesk's various media platforms & social handles
- Two VIP Piranha Passes for Consensus 2027
- More prizes to be announced
To apply for PitchFest you must be a registered Consensus startup.
PitchFest Submission: Startups should submit their applications for PitchFest via the Startup portal
by March 17, 2026.
A core component of your product must be related to Web3, AI or blockchain technology.
Additionally, your startup must be less than five years old and have raised less than $5 million in funding.
March 17, 2026
Submission deadline
Registered startups must submit their application by to be considered.
April 20, 2026
PitchFest Selection
A panel of CoinDesk experts will evaluate all applications. Selected startups will then be invited to pitch live at Consensus Hong Kong.
May 5-7, 2026
PitchFest Live at Consensus
The chosen founders will have the opportunity to deliver their three-minute pitch live on stage at Consensus, followed by a brief Q&A session.
Distinguished judges from the industry will then select the finalists.
Finalists will then present their pitches on the final day of Consensus, with the 2026 champion being crowned during a thrilling finale on the Mainstage.
For a detailed understanding of the rules and regulations, please refer to the CoinDesk PitchFest Official Rules here.
What previous participants say about PitchFest
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