For 15 years, Startup Grind has been the leading global community for people building, working with, and investing in startups, with the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley serving as the cornerstone of our community.

Now, we're thrilled to introduce Startup Mania 2—a new event in Austin designed to bring together top seed and Series A founders in a March Madness-style competition in a boxing ring. Not your typical pitch contest—where high-energy competition meets startup culture. Founders will battle it out in a pitch-off for the Championship title belt and a cash prize.

Apply now to be selected as one of the 64 competing startups, or get your Startup Mania tickets as an attendee, investor or partner.

Join 800+ attendees and be at the center of this groundbreaking event, featuring panel sessions, VC quickfire pitch tables, private lunches, workshops, roundtables, a startup concert, an after-party, and much more.

Presented by Startup Grind, and with the support of several other partners, we want to discover, connect, and boost the next companies changing the world through the power of our community. By sharing resources, providing access to new opportunities and showcasing the best startups in front of the thriving Austin Tech Ecosystem, and VCs from all around the world.

With the support of: Startup Grind, CodeLaunch, MBC, Agro CO2 Capital, Delta Air Lines, TriNet, Agora, Prospera Law, Carta, Connectd, AgroBanking, Milia, Startup Hypeman, Unifi Ventures, Sisu Powerhouse, Ecuador Tech Week, Golden Circle, Austin Connections, Intros AI, The CUT, Datasent, Digital Executive, MassChallenge, Peachscore, Playhouse, Cogent Bank, Midwest House, Skyler Network, Athletepreneur, Margin CFO, Consciuos Ambition and many more. 👏🏽

100+ Confirmed VC Funds: Geek Ventures, Ganas Ventures, Flying With Founders, Rayo Capital Group, BlackRock, Product Ventures, Exit Quotient Ventures, Big Sky Capital VC, Winner Capital, MOVE Venture Capital, Seaplane Ventures, Capital Factory, S3 Ventures, iFly.vc, Crowley Capital Ventures, Liberty Ventures Network, Silverton Partners, Interlock Partners, LiveOak Ventures, JFFVentures, 11 Tribes Ventures, Capigent Group, Gratitude Ventures, Silicon Hills Capital, Armada Capital Group, Cherub, PX Center, LatAmplify, Nexus Venture Partners, LatAmplify, Apprentis Ventures, MOVE Venture Capital, Dux Capital, Podium VC, Innovation Depot, Legendary Ventures, Connetic Ventures, and many more.

Ticket Tiers

📅 Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 - Early Bird — Sold Out ❌

📅 Jan 2, 2026 – Feb 1, 2026 - New Year Discount — Sold Out ❌

📅 Feb 2, 2026 – Mar 11, 2026 — Get your tickets now! ✅

🎟️ $169 Community Passes (7:00 PM Access) - 23 Left

🎟️ $269 Attendee Tickets — 44 Left

🎟️ $299 Investor Passes — 25 Left

🎟️ $999 VIP Passes — 12 Left

🎟️ $2,999 Feature Partner Passes — 6 Left

How can we help? Join our WhatsApp Group, follow us on LinkedIn and be part of the Startup Mania community.

Everyone is also welcome to join AI Innovators & Investors Austin by Agora on Friday, March 13 | 3:00–6:00 PM CDT – Experience the intersection of AI, capital, and creativity with AI builders, investors, and storytellers. Enjoy reverse pitches, live demos, awards, and forward-looking conversations on the future of AI + entertainment. RSVP Here!

Let’s build meaningful relationships together! We’re bringing high-quality startups, investors, accelerators, and unparalleled content to create an unforgettable community experience. We hope you'll join us! #keepgrinding

EARN MILES FOR YOUR COMPANY AND FOR YOUR TRAVELERS

✈️ Enroll in SkyMiles for Business for a chance to win a $2,500 Travel Grant in Delta eCredits. Terms apply.

Scholarship Feature: Get a $2,500 MBC scholarship as a Startup Grind member

The Master of Business Creation (MBC) at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business is welcoming all SG members with a scholarship using the code: MBC-REF-SG2500-021926. Recipients must apply by March 11.

Accelerator Feature: Fast-Track Your Product + Win $50K Equity-Free

CodeLaunch is recruiting U.S., Canada, and LATAM startups for 2026. Get free product development (no equity), pitch live to investors, and compete for $50K at the World Championship in Dallas. Startup Grind founders get priority review. Apply by March 11.

Meet the Competing Startups - Click here