Founders Circle Athens X Startup World Cup 2026
At Founders Circle Athens brings together founders, industry builders and investors to share practical lessons, uncover collaboration opportunities, and spark connections that accelerate growth Powered by Metavallon VC.
Additionally, we are proud to partner with PEGASUS Tech Ventures to bring the Startup World Cup Athens Regional Competition 2026 to Greece the world's leading startup competitions, bringing together 100+ regional events across the world.
The winner of the Greek Regional Competition gets the opportunity to compete for 1 million dollars at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley, taking place from November 4 to November 6, 2026, at the Hilton Union Square, San Francisco, California.
Who Should Apply?
The competition is open to innovative startups from across Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Patras, and every other region building innovative solutions across: AI, Healthcare & Life Sciences, DeepTech, Travel & Hospitality, Education, Smart Cities & IoT, SpaceTech, FinTech and other tech-driven innovations.
Why Apply?
Pitch live to leading investors and ecosystem leaders
Gain national and international exposure
Network with founders, venture capitalists, and corporate partners
Compete for the chance to represent Greece at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley
Only 15 startups will be selected to pitch live at the Athens Regional Finale.
Submit Your Application Now
If you are building a high-growth technology company in Greece, this is your opportunity to showcase your innovation on a global stage.
Important Dates
Applications Deadline: Sunday, September 6, 2026
Top 15 Finalists Announced: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Athens Regional Finale: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Startup World Cup Grand Finale: November 4 to 6, 2026 Hilton Union Square, San Francisco, California
Agenda
18:00 - 18:30 - Registrations & Networking
18:30 - 18:35 - Welcome Remarks (by the host - Snappi)
18:35 - 18:40 - Partners Presentation 1 (Starttech Ventures)
18:40 - 18:45 - Partners Presentation 2 (Metavallon VC)
18:45 - 18:50 - Introduction of Judges
18:50 - 19:20 - First Round of Startup Pitch - 3mins + 2mins Q/A
19:25 - 19:50: Founders Circle Athens Fireside Chat: Featuring Maria Georgiou, COO & Co-Founder at BIOEMTECH
19:50 - 20:20 - Second Round of Startup Pitch - 3mins + 2mins Q/A
20:25 - 20:50 - Third Round of Startup Pitch - 3mins + 2mins Q/A
20:50 - 21:00 - Votes by Attendees
21:00 - 21:10 - Announcement and Trophy Presentation
21:10 - 21:30: Closing Remarks and Networking Drinks