Seed Capital
Non-dilutive prize money, no equity required. Walk away with funding and full ownership of your company.
- $20,000 CAD in prizes
- Applications open Jan 6, 2027
- Pitch Day Aug 15, 2027
- Edmonton, AB
C-Tribe x Tech presents
About the competition
The C-Black x Tech Pitch Competition aims to close the opportunity and wealth gap by empowering Black entrepreneurs and levelling the playing field to help them achieve their dreams. It's not just about the money, it's about building durable connections. Participants connect with seasoned tech founders who have built, scaled, and sold companies before. We welcome all Black founders who are thinking big and building the world-changing companies of tomorrow.
$20,000 CAD
Total prize pool
- 1st Place$10,000 CAD
- 2nd Place$5,000 CAD
- 3rd Place$3,000 CAD
- Runner-Up (x4)$500 CAD each
Finalist perks
- Pitch coaching
- Graphic design support for pitch decks
Eligibility and judging
Who can apply
Eligibility
Black, African, or Caribbean founders with a majority controlling stake.
- Team of minimum 2 members with a founder who identifies as Black, African, or Caribbean and owns a majority controlling stake (more than 50%)
- Maximum 2 teams per participant (lead member limited to 1 team)
- Must be 18 years or older and of legal age in their jurisdiction
- Startup Stage track: less than $1,000,000 raised in total dilutive funding
- Employees and immediate family of C-Tribe Society are not eligible
Judging criteria
A panel of 4 judges scores every pitch on:
Timeline
Key dates
Up to 7 finalists pitch live on stage in Edmonton on Pitch Day.
- Jan 6, 2027
Applications open
Submit your venture for consideration.
- Mar 7, 2027
Applications close
Final day to submit your entry.
- Apr 15, 2027
Semi-finalists announced
Up to 7 teams advance to the next round.
- Jun 1, 2027
Finalists selected
Pitch coaching and deck design support begin.
- Aug 15, 2027
Pitch Day
Take the stage at C-Tribe x Tech.
Why pitch
Four reasons to step on stage
Network
Direct connections with investors, mentors, and founders who have built, scaled, and exited before you.
Exposure
Media coverage, publisher meetings, ecosystem partners, and a live audience watching you pitch on stage.
Coaching
Pitch coaching, deck design support, and strategic prep for every finalist, so you show up ready.
Who should apply
Is C-Black Pitch for you?
Whether you’re pitching, investing, spectating or building, there’s a place for you.
Entrepreneur
You have a tech startup or venture at any stage, from idea to revenue. You want exposure, feedback from investors, and a chance to win funding.
Investor
You’re looking to discover the next wave of innovative founders. Connect with pre-vetted companies and expand your deal flow.
Tech Enthusiast
You’re passionate about innovation and want to see what’s next. Watch live pitches, network with founders, and be part of the energy.
Builder
You’re a developer, designer, or operator who wants to join a winning team. Meet founders who are hiring and building right now.
Proven launchpad
Past winners
Companies that launched from our pitch stage and went on to raise funding, land partnerships, and scale.
Synoptech
Joshua Benjamin
Wearable performance analytics for athletes. Real-time insights for training, recovery, and injury prevention.
PEERX.AI
Jefferson Roc
Mental health innovation at the intersection of AI and peer support, empowering holistic well-being in the corporate and startup sectors.
Awele Technologies
Godfrey Okeke
Making international shipping of cars and heavy goods as easy as booking a flight online.
Scooli
Jonathon Bloomfield
Classroom management tools built by a teacher-turned-developer for teachers like himself.
CropMind
Damilare Odumosu
Cost-effective computer vision for smallholder fruit farmers, streamlining crop load management across Canada.
Investors & judges
Past judges
Investors, founders and operators who have judged C-Tribe pitch competitions.
Beyond the pitch
Other ways to get involved
Exhibit
Showcase your product, service, or organization with a booth at C-Tribe x Tech. Get in front of attendees, demonstrate live, and generate qualified leads.
Partner
Align your brand with innovation. Sponsorship and partnership packages include stage presence, logo placement, VIP access, and direct engagement with founders and investors.
Want to dive deeper?
Ready to pitch?
Applications open January 6, 2027 and close March 7, 2027. Questions? Email hello@ctribefestival.com.