We are looking for high-growth, tech-forward, for-profit startups that are in pre-seed or seed funding stages. We especially encourage startups that are solving problems within our region’s strategic industries including healthcare/aging care, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage, logistics and e-commerce, and business services.

Ineligible industries include brick and mortar businesses, consulting practices, restaurants, real estate development, biomedical science, investment vehicles, adult entertainment and materials, illegal substances and paraphernalia.

The $100,000 is invested through a SAFE (simple agreement for future equity), with a $2.5 M post money valuation cap. The full terms of the SAFE will be available at a later date.

The Greater Louisville region offers a strategic location, talented and affordable workforce, and accessible support services that make it an awesome place to grow your startup. Check out StartupLou Amplify Louisville, or Greater Louisville Inc. to explore some of the resources dedicated to serving our entrepreneurs.

Besides the business benefits, the region is a great place to live. A large and diverse city with a small-town feel that boasts a cost of living that is 9% lower than the national average. Food, bourbon, horses, arts, outdoors, and much more to explore.

Applications open in April each year followed by a preliminary application review in May. Judge evaluations take place in June and July and finalists are notified in August. A live pitch event will take place in September.

No. The Render Competition is focused on providing capital and connections rather than direct programming. We compiled an extensive list of resources and perks that are offered to winners on an “opt in” basis. Further, we seek to support our portfolio companies as a traditional venture investor would, offering tailored support to the company based on its unique needs.

Yes. You must be willing to locate your company headquarters and at least one full-time founder to Jefferson County, Kentucky or Clark or Floyd counties in Indiana for at least one year after selection. We welcome applications from any location and can provide personalized relocation services through our partners.

Applicants will need to provide detailed information to tell your company’s story including detailing your company’s origin, the current conditions, as well as future plans. If your company progresses to Stage 3, you will need to pitch live in Louisville in September. Please know that you do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Feel free to begin the application, get comfortable with the requested information, and work on your submission over time (as long as you submit before the period closes).

A panel of external judges reviews and scores the submissions at each stage of the program. The selection process has been carefully constructed so that many smart minds, with diverse backgrounds, are contributing to a startup’s review. Our judges include corporate executives, startup advisors, experienced investors, and established entrepreneurs who are all experts in their fields. You can see a list of our judges here.

Our application seeks to identify the eight most promising companies based on Solution, Market, Product Market Fit, Competitive Landscape, Team, Business Model, Financials, and Scalability.

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