TECH FUEL
$100K PITCH COMPETITION
TechFuel is greater San Antonio’s largest cash prize pitch competition with $100,000 available in non-dilutive cash prize money along with resources and support, sponsored by Bexar County
Innovation
DISRUPTION
entrepreneurship
investment
QUALIFICATIONS
Prospective startups should have a well-defined startup with innovative potential, showcasing the capacity to disrupt and reshape the tech landscape. Additionally, a track record of successful execution and a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics contribute to a competitive application.
LIVE PRODUCT
Have a product/service that has been live for more than 6 months and has measurable performance metrics such as revenue, customers
ARR
Generate less than $2.0M in annualized recurring revenue
FUNDING
Have received less than $1M from 3rd-party investors
STRUCTURE
Be a properly registered C-corp in the United States
PRESENCE IN BEXAR COUNTY
Maintain a company presence (office or remote employee) within Bexar County for a minimum of 12 months after prize money award date
The Impact throughout the Years
In its 6 years of existence, through strategic investments totaling over $550K, Tech Fuel has propelled the growth and success of 28 diverse startups across the state. This financial backing not only signifies a commitment from Bexar County to innovation but also underscores Tech Bloc’s role in fostering economic development and job creation.
REQUIREMENTS
The screening committee will determine which applicants advance to the semi-final round of 25 competitors based on the following criteria from their submitted applications:
Leadership
Does the team have the ability to reach the next level of success?
Business Model
Is the revenue model realistic and sustainable?
Execution
Are there strong growth metrics or measurable traction?
Job Creation
Will the startup create more jobs in San Antonio?
Impact to San Antonio
What makes the startup standout from a San Antonio impact standpoint?
QUALIFICATION PROCESS
Semi-finalists will be randomly placed into one of five groups (designated as Groups A, B, C, D & E to participate in private pitch sessions with 4 to 5 judges through Zoom). Each group will be comprised of 5 semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist will go through a screening process that consist of a 5-minute private pitch and a 5-minute Q&A session. A finalist from each group will then be selected by their group’s judging panel to advance to the final round of the competition.
All semi-finalist groups will participate in pitching on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 & Thursday, October 5th, 2023. Invites to choose a date and time will be sent out on Monday, September 25th, first come first serve basis.
All finalists are expected to compete in person at Port San Antonio for the final TechFuel pitch event on October 17th, 2023.
The TechFuel final event will consist of 5-minute pitches with a 10-minute Q&A session that will be delivered to a panel of 5 judges.
PAST WINNERS
Rectify
Platform designed to automate the process of removing private or sensitive information from documents. The company’s platform uses machine learning algorithms to remove proprietary information, enabling businesses to decrease the human involvement required to identify and remove consumer identities, trade secrets, IP and other private data in data sets that are being sent to third parties.
Grain4Grain
A grain-based food manufacturing company intended to produce and market low-carb nutritious and all-natural products. The company’s products are developed with low-carb and high-protein ingredients with upcycled flour from grains, enabling consumers to maintain their good health.
Betty's Co
A virtual care platform designed to help in managing wellness and lifestyle. The company’s platform connects women with gynecology issues, mental health, nutrition, weight management and overall health, enabling women to get gynecology treatment, mental healthcare and wellness healthcare.
Sensytec
Wireless concrete sensors designed to offer insights into the performance data of concrete infrastructure. The company’s sensors offer sensing capabilities through intelligent analysis of data gathered during design, placement, performance, and maintenance by monitoring cracking standard atmospheric pressure, temperature resistance, contamination damage, and prevention of corrosion, enabling clients to monitor cement and concrete conditions accurately.
M Aerospace RTC
Manufacturing technology company intended to provide additive manufacturing materials and parts. The company specializes in metal three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies and offers a variety of metal materials, material combinations and the ability to print large amounts, enabling three-dimensional (3D) printing industries to get rapid prototyping and production capabilities in a cost-effective way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For aspiring applicants to Tech Fuel, common queries often revolve around the application process, eligibility criteria, and key evaluation factors. Our FAQ section aims to provide transparent and comprehensive answers, offering valuable insights to guide applicants through the application journey.
What do we consider an early-stage startup?
At Tech Fuel, we define an early-stage startup as a budding venture that is in its initial phases of development, typically within the first few years of operation. We look for innovative ideas and passionate founders who have moved beyond the ideation stage, demonstrating a clear vision for their product or service. While not confined to a specific industry, an early-stage startup should exhibit the potential for scalability, market viability, and a unique value proposition. Tech Fuel is particularly interested in supporting startups that are at the cusp of breakthroughs, providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and funding to catalyze their growth and establish a strong foundation for future success.
How long will it take to fill out this application?
The application should take roughly 30 minutes to complete.
Do I have to submit a pitch deck?
You are strongly encouraged to submit a pitch deck and/or demo video to be reviewed by the selection committee choosing the semi-finalists. You will be required to pitch with a pitch deck during semi-finals.
What happens if I’m a semi-finalist but can’t travel to San Antonio?
The semi-finals will be conducted over a Zoom call so it is fine to be remote. However, if selected as a finalist you will need to travel to San Antonio for the final competition in person on October 25th, 2024.