Applications to Minerva Birmingham’s Pitch Up 2022 competition are open. The competition offers businesses the chance to pitch to a variety of investors to win a cash prize, as well as the accolade of Pitch Up Champion.

Formerly known as ‘Pitchfest WM’ and now in its seventh year, Pitch Up is a collaboration co-delivered by the Centre for Growth at Aston University, University of Birmingham Enterprise, and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park Ltd.

The competition provides the opportunity for ambitious business leaders to improve their ability to win investment while simultaneously boosting their business profile.

Shortlisted applicants will be supported through a workshop to refine their pitch deck, sharpen their pitching skills and receive valuable feedback in order to improve. 

A select number of successful applicants will then advance to the next stage of the competition and have the opportunity to pitch to an investor-led panel to gain more practice and receive more feedback. 

The best performing businesses will then be selected to pitch at the Pitch Up final. This will take place as part of Venturefest WM on Thursday 24 March at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham. 

The overall winner will be decided by audience vote and crowned Pitch Up Champion 2022. They will receive a cash prize and the option of additional support from Minerva Birmingham.

Last year’s winner, Mark Platt Founder and CTO of Figura Analytics, said:

“I was really amazed to win last year’s competition and delighted at the new connections and networks I made as part of the process.

“The support received through the competition was fantastic; each workshop I attended allowed me to meet new people, learn new skills and left me energised and eager for more. Our winning pitch was definitely the result of some really insightful advice and feedback from the team and panel members.”

If you are a business leader you can apply here – applications close on Monday 28 February.

Find out more about Pitch Up by visiting Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up or contact centreforgrowth@aston.ac.uk.