TiE50
TiE50 is TiE Silicon Valley’s premier annual awards program, contested by several early to mid-stage startups worldwide. Participating technology startups benefit from significant exposure to venture capitalists, angels, and entrepreneurs, in-person product showcasing, and business partnering/networking.
Now, in its seventeenth year, the prestigious TiE50 awards recognize the top technology and technology-enabled startups. We invite all startups worldwide to participate, particularly early-stage companies.
Since the inception of the TiE50 program, about 85% of the winners and top startups have been funded with over a billion dollars. Many of these companies got acquired or went IPO. At least 29 of the exits were over $100 Million, e.g., FireEye (IPO), Mulesoft (IPO), Pearl Therapeutics (acquired by Astra Zeneca), and Velocloud (acquired by VMware).
TiE SV and the TiE50 program is also in partnership with the “Meet the Drapers” show. Approximately 10 to 12 companies from the 50 winners will be selected by the Draper Team to pitch to them at TiEcon 2026 and have a chance to win a spot for the Casting on season 10 of “Meet the Drapers” show.
How does
TiE50 work?
A select panel of experts, including venture capitalists, angel investors, corporate executives, and successful entrepreneurs, will screen the companies on the Startup Steroid Platform. Scoring is done on each company’s IP, business model, traction, and team. This process weeds through the applicant pool to select the very best startup finalists.
The selected startups will pitch on April 30, at TiEcon 2026, with a 3-minute video recording and will have the opportunity for live Q&A.
Winner Benefits
- Network with Investors, VCs, Angels
- Chance to be Selected for Meet the Drapers Show
- Awards for Pitches in the Showcase Event
- Awards Ceremony on the Main Stage
- Year-round branding & Programs Discounts
- Sponsors’ Benefits (When Available)
- Fast-track to TiE Angels & Other Programs
- Peer Networking as part of TiE50 Winners Circle
- Social Media & Press Coverage
Who should apply?
Tech startups from all over the world, particularly early-stage companies, that are looking for visibility, investor connections, and credibility in the startup ecosystem.
What happens if my startup is selected?
* Finalists will pitch to investors at TiEcon 2026 with a 3-minute video + live Q&A
* Winners will be recognized at the TiE50 awards ceremony
* Select winners pitch to screening for meet the Draper show
Selection Criteria
Looks at one or more of the following criteria:
* Impact
* Innovation
* Traction
What are we looking for?
We are domain/sector agnostic and consider geographic & gender diversity of private companies in all funding stages.
Can my startup apply if we’ve already raised funding?
Yes! Startups at various funding stages can apply, as long as they are privately held.
What is "Meet the Drapers," and how does it relate to TiE50?
“Meet the Drapers" is a global startup pitch show where entrepreneurs pitch to the Draper family and millions of viewers for a chance to secure funding.
TiE50 Partnership: Approximately 10 to 12 TiE50 winners will be selected by the Draper Team to pitch live at TiEcon 2026. These startups will also have a chance to be cast for Season 10 of "Meet the Drapers," giving them exposure to global investors and potential crowdfunding opportunities.
Important Deadlines
- Registration open: Friday, February 13 at 8:00 am PST
- Registration closes: Monday, April 15 at 11:45 pm PST
- Winner announcement: Monday, April 20 ***Winners will be announced by email and on our website***
- TiE50 Showcase: Thursday, April 30 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST
- Awards Ceremony: Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST
- Meet the Drapers: Thursday, April 30 from 11:15 am – 1:00 pm PST
TiE50 winner showcase & Virtual awards ceremony
TiE50 winners will be announced by email and on the website on April 20. The Winner Showcase (a 3-minute presentation and a 2-minute live Q&A with investors for feedback) will be held on Thursday, April 30. The Awards Ceremony will take place after the Morning Grand Keynote on Thursday, April 30, at 10:00 AM.
Application Information
- 1st step: Purchase a TiEcon Conference Pass + TiE50 Add-on
- 2nd step: Submit your Startup Profile via Startup Steroid (it will be shared in your ticket purchase confirmation email)
Sponsors
TiE50 Chairs
Kumar Sripadam
Chair / GP
TiE Angels / Elevate Capital Fund
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Anand Jagannathan
Associate Chair / Founder & CEO
TiE Angels / Engage.Social
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