Each year, South Summit gathers the world’s most promising startups to pitch in front of top-tier investors, partners, and innovation leaders. In 2024, five startups across Madrid, Brazil and South Korea stood out—not just for their innovation, but for how they told their story. If you’re preparing for a pitch—whether on a global stage or in a meeting room—these are the lessons you can’t afford to miss. We asked to some of our South Summit Startup Competition winners to share their top tips for crafting a pitch that wins. Here’s what they said.
Back to blog
5 Keys to Building a Winner Pitch
Be clear, direct, and enjoy the stage – Juan Moliner Malaxechevarría from Invopop (Global Winner, Spain)
“Be clear, direct, and engaging. Speak slowly and have fun on stage!”
Amid the buzz of a major event like South Summit, clarity is your superpower. Don’t overload your audience with data or jargon. Instead, speak simply, slowly, and let your passion come through. If you’re enjoying yourself, your audience will too.
Pro tip: Keep it simple, use vivid examples, and smile.
Balance Clarity with Conciseness – Héctor Mata from Shakers (Most Scalable, Spain)
“Explain enough to answer questions but keep it concise enough to stay engaging.”
Great pitches aren’t long—they’re efficient. Clearly explain your value proposition but keep your message tight. Focus on the essentials: the problem, your solution, your market, and your edge.
Pro tip: Practice with a timer. Aim for clarity over detail.
Embrace Feedback and Believe in Your Product – Noora Lee from Dtonic (Global Winner, South Korea)
“Use the bootcamp and feedback. Most importantly: be confident in your product.”
You don’t have to get it right the first time. South Summit’s pitch bootcamps and mentoring are key opportunities. Use them. Every round of feedback brings your pitch closer to excellence—but confidence in your own story will always be your strongest asset.
Pro tip: Rehearse in front of people who don’t know your startup.
Be Prepared and Know Your Audience – Tal Meged from VSL Labs (Most Sustainable, Israel)
“Have a clear, impactful pitch. Do your research and connect with the right people.”
Tailor your pitch to your audience. Before stepping on stage, understand who’s in the room, what they care about, and how your startup fits into that picture. Pitching is about precision as much as passion.
Pro tip: Research key attendees, investors, and juries in advance.
Don’t Wait to Be ‘Ready’—Just Start – Michael Lachner from Aqarios (Best Team, Germany)
“Don’t overthink it. Apply, pitch, and grow through the process.”
You don’t have to be perfect to pitch—you just must start. The process of preparing for South Summit is a growth accelerator. It helps you refine your strategy, test your messaging, and sharpen your business model. Just go for it.
Pro tip: Treat the application and pitch as a learning opportunity—even if you don’t win.
Final Thoughts: Your Pitch Is Your Startup’s First Impression
Whether you’re competing on stage or presenting in a boardroom, your pitch is your startup’s first—and often most crucial—impression. The winners of South Summit didn’t just showcase great products; they told powerful stories. Be clear. Be concise. Be confident. And most of all: be yourself.