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Startup Mania is where early-stage founders go head-to-head in a high-energy, March-Madness–style tournament designed to spotlight the most ambitious Seed & Series A startups. Sixty-four teams enter. Only one walks away with the title.
We host the event in a different city each year — in 2026, Startup Mania takes over Austin the day before SXSW. The event brings together founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders for a full day of rapid-fire pitches, live judging, curated matchmaking, and nonstop networking. Big-stage energy meets intimate founder access — all packed into one electric experience.
Beyond the competition, attendees gain access to panels, fireside chats, roundtables, an exclusive founders & investors lunch, a happy hour, a live concert, and an after-party that sets the tone for SXSW week.
Whether you’re pitching, investing, hiring, or simply soaking in the energy of the ecosystem, Startup Mania is one of the most fun and high-impact ways to kick off SXSW.
Join us. Meet the next breakout founders. Experience Startup Mania!
Austin WhatsApp Group - Miami WhatsApp Group - Follow us on LinkedIn - Meet the 2025 Alumni Cohort
✈️ Enroll in SkyMiles for Business for a chance to win a $2,500 Travel Grant in Delta eCredits. Terms apply.
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.
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.
🚀 Need help raising your next round? Join the Startup Exhibition at the SG Conference in Silicon Valley on April 27-29, 2026! Our top 100 exhibitors from past years have raised over $1.5B, and we can't wait to see what deals come from the 2026 batch. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your startup to 5,000+ entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Apply now as a startup or scaleup for 2026!
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From Conviction to Reality: Lessons from Building AI Infrastructure Early
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This is Startup Grind. We are the world’s largest startup community.
Our Mission
To give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.
Our Values
We believe in making friends, not contacts. We believe in giving first, not taking. We believe in helping others before helping yourself.
Tools & Discounts for Startups
Take advantage of resources and offers provided by organizations we know and love, designed to help you navigate the startup journey.
Startup Grind Conference
Our annual flagship event in Silicon Valley brings together thousands of startup teams, investors and organizations from all over the world.
Join the Startup Membership
This membership gives you free access to networking, events, mentorship, office hours, and other exclusive opportunities curated by Startup Grind HQ.
