World-leading accelerator 500 Startups announces startup competition in Riga

World-leading startup accelerator 500 Startups (USA) returns for the 3rd year to Riga, Latvia, bringing the Digital Freedom Festival to the next level. The accelerator invites startups to apply to the pitch competition, which will be held during Investor Day on November 29th. The “Grand Final” will be held on the main stage of the Digital Freedom Festival on November 30th. The winner will receive a fast-track for the final interview for Batch 25 at the Silicon Valley acceleration program. Startups have the opportunity to qualify for a 4-month long intensive seed program and a 150 thousand USD seed fund. The application deadline is October 19th.

Digital Freedom Festival Co-Founder Dagnija Lejina: “We're excited to continue our friendship with 500 Startups. Silicon Valley is indeed coming to the Baltics to look for the best ideas and teams with the ambition to become the “future unicorns”. Only the best will get a "golden ticket" to San Francisco.”

500 Startups Partner Marvin Liao: “I'm a huge fan of the Digital Freedom Festival, as we've found several promising companies by attending the event the last two years. 500 Startups will definitely participate in future festivals as well.”

The best 3-5 startups will make it through the first round during Investor Day on November 29th, and will have the opportunity to present their idea on the Digital Freedom Festival main stage on November 30th to local and international investors, media and other Digital Freedom Festival guests. Participating startups will gain visibility and new connections, with the competition winner receiving a fast-track to the final interview round for the next batch with the Silicon Valley accelerator.

Participation in the competition will provide the opportunity to improve idea quality and presentation skills, gain a product evaluation from industry representatives and experts, and give access to contacts and investors all over the world.