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Competition Details

C-Black Pitch

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.

Applications Opening Soon

Key Dates

Applications Open
Wednesday, January 6, 2027
Application Deadline
Sunday, March 7, 2027
Semi-Finalists Announced
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Finalists Announced
Tuesday, June 1, 2027
Pitch Day
Sunday, August 15, 2027

Eligibility

Black, African, or Caribbean founders in a C-suite leadership role

  • -Team of minimum 2 members with at least one Founding Member who identifies as Black, African, or Caribbean descent in a C-suite role
  • -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

Cash Prizes

$20,000 CADTotal Prize Pool
1st Place$10,000
2nd Place$5,000
3rd Place$3,000
Runner-Up (x4)$500 each

Judging Criteria

Target market size and positioning against competitors30%
Identification of problem and effectiveness of solution20%
Strategies for customer acquisition, distribution, and revenue generation20%
Team quality and experience20%
Overall application clarity and persuasiveness10%

Pitching Tips

Preparing to pitch at C-Black Pitch? Here’s what judges are looking for and how to make your 5 minutes count.

01

Nail the Hook

Describe your business in two sentences. Use simple, powerful words that create a vivid image. You have limited time to capture attention — make it count.

02

Show Your Team

Your idea alone isn't enough. Show that you have the skills, grit, and passion to execute. Showcase your portfolio and how your team works together.

03

Know Your Market

Who is your customer? How big is the market? Show evidence that people will pay for what you're building. Include early traction if you have it.

04

Customer Acquisition

How will you reach your first 1,000 customers? What channels will you use? Show that you've thought through the path from launch to scale.

05

Revenue Model

How does the business make money? Be specific about pricing, margins, and unit economics. Judges want to see a path to profitability.

06

The Ask

What do you need from C-Tribe? Funding? Feedback? Connections? Make your ask clear, concise, and specific. Pitching is the art of persuasion.

07

Prepare for Q&A

Your pitch is the beginning, not the end. Be ready to answer tough questions, address concerns, and go deeper. Have backup slides ready.

Past Judges

Nicholas Brathwaite
Founding Managing Partner, Celesta Capital
LinkedIn
Dr. Shante Williams
Founder & CEO, Black Pearl Global Investments
LinkedIn
Rebecca Johnson
Investment & Operations Associate, BKR Capital
LinkedIn
Arden Tse
Fund Manager, Accelerate III, Yaletown Ventures
LinkedIn
James Mark Mitchell
Principal & Director, Red Thread Ventures
LinkedIn
Teruel Carrasco
Chief Growth Officer & Co-Founder, EasyVC
LinkedIn
Jordana Armstrong
Director, UCeed Social Impact, University of Calgary
LinkedIn
Morenike Eniola Olaosebikan
CEO & Founder, Kemet Group Inc
LinkedIn
Keenan Pascal
CEO & Founder, Token Naturals
LinkedIn
Jason Della Rocca
Co-Founder & CEO, Execution Labs
LinkedIn
Laurel Sabur
Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships, RADIUS SFU
LinkedIn
Zack Storms
Co-Founder, Startup TNT
LinkedIn

Ready to pitch?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best chance.

Applications Opening Soon