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 the 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 2025 and have a chance to win a spot for the Casting on season 8 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 TheBizPlanner Competition edition. 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 May 1 at TiEcon 2025 with a 3-minute video recording and will have the opportunity for live Q&A.
Application Benefits
Discounted additional passes to TiEcon
Discounted expo booth
Discounted Startup Bootcamp
Discounted VC Connect
Winner Benefits
- Opportunity to network with Venture Capitalists, Angel Investors, and some of the brightest minds of Silicon Valley
- $600+ VALUE encompassing Annual Membership to TiE Silicon Valley chapter for 1 team member ($150 value), discounted prices for additional team members to attend TiEcon 2025 and discounted rates for VC Connect & TiEcon Expo ($300 value), & Complimentary Mentor Connect ($49 value)
- Year rounding branding on the TiEcon website
- Other benefits from sponsors to be announced
TiE50 winner showcase & Virtual awards ceremony
TiE50 winners will be announced by email and on the website on April 29. Winner Showcase (3 min presentation and 2 min. live Q&A with investors for feedback) will be held on Thursday, May 1. The Awards Ceremony will be announced after the opening Grand Keynote on Thursday, May 1 at 10:00 AM.
How do I qualify?
Companies must be privately held and of good legal standing.
How do I apply?
Complete your TiEcon registration + TiE50 Add-on, a link will be sent for you to submit your application via Startup Steroid
Who are the judges?
Judges include top investors, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs. Their identities and scoring process remain confidential.
Important Deadlines
- Registration open: Friday, February 7 at 8:00 am PST
- Registration close: Tuesday, April 15 at 11:45 pm PST
- Winner announcement: Sunday, April 20 ***Winners will be announced by email and on our website***
- TiE50 Showcase: Thursday, May 1, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST
- Awards Ceremony: Thursday, May 1, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST
- Meet the Drapers: Thursday, May 1, from 11:15 am – 1:00 pm PST
- Sponsored Networking Lunch: Thursday, May 1, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST
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