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.

Guidelines for the Competition.

Our Main Sponsors.

The Malta Venture Capital manages a €10 million fund by investing equity in start-up companies operating within the digital economy and innovative economic sectors that contribute significant value to the Maltese economy.

Learn More

The Judges.

There will be two different sets of judges for the pre-seed and the seed categories of the competition, ensuring fair judging for the companies in both categories.

Find Out More

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.