Startup World Cup East Bay Regional Set for September 10, 2026
Event summary
- Startup World Cup's East Bay Regional competition will take place on September 10, 2026.
- The event is hosted in partnership with the East Bay SBDC and California State University, East Bay.
- The winning startup will advance to the Grand Finale in San Francisco on November 4-6, 2026, competing for a $1M investment prize.
- Applications are open until August 17, 2026, with top 10 finalists announced on August 28, 2026.
The big picture
Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures, has established itself as the premier platform for high-growth startups to gain global exposure. With over $2B in assets under management and investments in more than 300 startups, Pegasus leverages its corporate venture platform to bridge global corporations with emerging technologies. The East Bay Regional competition underscores Northern California's enduring role as a hub for innovation, attracting top-tier entrepreneurs and investors.
What we're watching
- Competition Dynamics
- How the East Bay Regional's track record of producing global champions will influence this year's competition.
- Investor Interest
- Whether the $1M investment prize will attract a higher caliber of startups compared to previous years.
- Regional Impact
- The pace at which Northern California's startup ecosystem continues to grow as a launchpad for global innovation.