CodeLaunch isn’t just another pitch competition—we help startup teams nurture real traction, implement best practices investors look for, sprinkle in world-class product development, and offer expert mentorship. This culminates at our unique live event experience we call the Greatest Startup Show On Earth. But to have a shot at winning, you need to prepare. This is the most transparent, step-by-step guide we’ve ever created—complete with exclusive videos that dive into every stage of the process. If you’re serious about making it through and winning CodeLaunch, start here.
Startups from around the world are invited to participate in the CodeLaunch process at any time. To make it easier for founders juggling careers, families, schedule-conflicts and other responsibilities, we’ve made our full curriculum public and self-paced. This means you can prepare and complete your execution challenges well in advance of applying. By planning and working at your own pace, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the competition heats up, giving you and your team the best chance to succeed. Choose the upcoming competition you are eligible for, but get started on the process today!
Before you submit your application, it’s important to understand exactly how CodeLaunch works. This video covers everything from our competition process to our application requirements. Below you can also find a list of references to help you get started.
Once you have completed Stage I, you are ready to Apply to CodeLaunch. Throughout the competition process, cohorts will participate in various challenges designed to level-up and accelerate their fundamental business skills. This video details the purpose, requirements, and more for the first ‘Cohort Acceptance Appeal Video’ challenge.
Founders who are accepted into CodeLaunch will continue to Stage III, the Cohort Execution Challenge. This phase features 4 levels of increasingly difficult business milestones, from branding and marketing to customer validation and team composition. This video details each level and their respective requirements.
***Watch the Stage 3 Video for the Password required to submit the Stage 3 homework challenge deliverables.
Startups that advance past the Homework Execution Challenge then become Semifinalists. Semifinalists get pitch meetings. Some of the best then become ‘draft-eligible.’ Not every draft-eligible startup will be selected by a PCL team, so it is vital that you crush your Semifinalist Pitch Meeting. This video details all of the information you need to succeed and earn a trip to the Finalist round.
The final stage of the competition – the Hackathon. Drafted Finalists will be paired with a professional product development team to advance or build out their product in 48 hours to later be demoed live, on-stage at our CodeLaunch event. This video explains expectations, important dates, and more.
CodeLaunch is FREE to apply and NO equity is surrendered for competing in or winning the startup competition. All we ask if that you bring a viable concept and passion + grit and we’ll support you with the rest. From product development and startup acceleration to marketing and critical business services, we have a network of partners ready to elevate your venture.
Applications for ALL CodeLaunch 2025 events will open on February 16th, 2025. Be sure to APPLY before the window closes!