If you have any questions with regards to the Pitch Black competition please do not hesitate to email us on pitchblack@startinmalta.com
Apply Now for Pre-Seed.
Companies who have raised less than or equal to €300,000 and who have been established for not more than five years. Applications close on the 17/07/25.
Apply Now for Seed.
Companies who have raised more than €300,000 and who have been established for not more than seven years. Applications close on the 17/07/25.


PITCH BLACK
Focus on what matters.
Pitch Black
Malta’s Must-Enter Startup Competition
Why Pitch Black 2025?
Pitch Black is a dynamic pitching competition held during the Start Up Festival, where entrepreneurs take the stage to present their ideas to a panel of experts. In this no-frills format, participants have just a few minutes to make a powerful impression, showcasing their vision, business model, and potential impact. It’s an unmissable opportunity for start-ups to gain visibility, receive invaluable feedback, compete for support and recognition within Malta’s vibrant start-up ecosystem.

Overall Winner
First Edition
“Winning this contest reaffirms our commitment to this mission and propels us further towards making a lasting impact,” - Keith M Azzopardi, Co-founder and CEO of Smart Materials Ltd
Best Female-led Startup
First Edition
“We are honoured to win the Best Female-led startup award. It was my first time on the Island but for sure not the last – especially now that the prize service package gives us the opportunity to work with so many Maltese companies,” - Natallia Miranchuk, founder and CEO of Soula

The Second Edition.
Taking place during the Start Up Festival 2025, the competition will bring together some of the best startups in Europe in order to compete for a prize package like no other.
For this competition pre-seed companies will be defined as companies who have raised less than or equal to €300,000 and who have been established for not more than five years.
Pre-Seed Companies
For this competition seed companies will be defined as companies who have raised more than €300,000 and have been established for not more than seven years.
Seed Companies





The Format.
New for 2025, Pitch Black is introducing a semi-final round (22nd October) to raise the stakes and spotlight even more talent. A total of 14 companies will pitch their ideas – 7 pitches per category - between pre-seed and seed. The Final will take place during the last day of the festival (24th October), which will see a total of 8 pitches – 4 pitches per category.
14
Semi Finalists
8
Finalists
2
Winners
The Mentors
Navigating the Regulatory Environment

Prize Package
Prize Package of more than €125,000
€ 100,000 Venture Capital Investment through the Malta Venture Fund
(kindly note Investment Terms)
2 Hot Desks at Soho Malta
2 Entry Tickets to the EU Start Up Summit
Legal Services by Guido De Marco Advocates
Waiver of application fees for the Startup Residency Programme by Residency Malta
Up to 70 hours of Mentorship
Marketing and Branding services by Steve's and Co
Access to a 1-week Founders Taboo Retreat by SuperCharger Ventures
1 day mentorship through immersion in the Supercharger Accelerator Programme
Opportunity to Pitch at the Supercharger Demo Day
ORGANISED BY

OUR TEAM WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL