TCNewTech Information for Applicants
Connect, pitch, and collaborate through TCNewTech
What is TCNewTech?
TCNewTech is Northern Michigan’s premier startup pitch event – and also so much more.
Hosted by 20Fathoms, TCNewTech is a community pitch competition for early-stage, Michigan-based startups. We bring together a vibrant community that is a seedbed of potential for making the right connections.
For each TCNewTech event, 3-5 early-stage startups are selected to participate in a pitch competition for a chance to win cash awards and startup support services. Each pitch presenter will present to a live audience in Traverse City and be reviewed by a panel of expert judges to determine the best and most innovative idea.
To help finalists prepare to take the stage, we provide personalized, in-depth support in the weeks leading up to the main event.
TCNewTech Program Overview
Selected participants receive:
- Up to 3 hours of pitch support, helping you to build a clear, engaging presentation that connects with investors, partners, and customers.
- A coaching session where we’ll dive into how to raise money and build long-term value for your company.
- Optional: Business coaching with a highly-experienced startup executive who has helped lead four software companies to billon dollar exits.
- Day passes to 20Fathoms’ coworking space in Traverse City where you can work alongside other innovators and expand your network.
- The main stage! You will pitch in front of a live audience in Traverse City that regularly exceeds 150 attendees with the chance to win cash awards.
Application Process
Apply
Complete the application form and attach your pitch deck.
Review
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of 20Fathoms leadership and other regional startup experts.
Notification
Applicants will be notified of their status approximately 1 month prior to the pitch event.
Questions?
Contact Maria Purvis, Manager of Events & Special Programs, by email or call 231-938-6519.
Is TCNewTech right for you?
We invite early-stage, Michigan-based tech startups to apply for TCNewTech.
At 20Fathoms, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and welcoming community of innovators. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other dimension of diversity.
All applicants must submit a complete application and meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be available to present in person at the event in Traverse City. Finalists may present individually or in teams, with up to two presenters per team.
- The startup must be registered in the state of Michigan, as a for-profit entity registered under tribal sovereign jurisdiction within the geographic boundaries of the state, LARA, or both. Preference is given to startups located in Northwestern Lower Michigan.
- The applicant must present a startup leveraging technology that has a growth potential to serve at a regional (or greater) scale in service to Michigan’s economy.
Those who have received the First Place Award or Second Place Award at a TCNewTech pitch competition within the past two years are not eligible.
Upcoming Dates
TCNewTech pitch competitions will be held on:
July Pitch Event
- Pitch competition: July 15
- Deadline to apply: June 6
September Pitch Event
- Pitch competition: Sept. 9
- Deadline to apply: Aug. 1
More to come!
Future TCNewTech dates to be announced.