For Startup Founders
Founders Arena 2026 Demo Day is selecting 10 Web3 + AI startups to pitch live to Philippine investors at SMX Convention Center during Philippine Blockchain Week. Apply for the Demo Day — and get matched on the Founders Arena Matching Platform year-round.
Inside Philippine Blockchain Week 2026
Founders Arena 2026 Demo Day runs inside Philippine Blockchain Week — June 20–21, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila. Pitching at Founders Arena means your startup is visible to the reach and credibility of the Philippines' largest blockchain audience.
Pitch Format
The format is strict. The timer is visible. The bell rings at 2:45. Hard cut at 3:00 — no exceptions. Come prepared.
Bell at 2:45. Hard cut at 3:00. Live timer visible to you and judges.
Direct judge questions. Hard stop at 2 minutes. MC moderates.
Problem · Solution · Market · Demo · Business Model · Evidence · Team · Stack · Ask · Vision
Working prototype required. Demo during pitch strongly encouraged. No mockups in the room.
Who Should Apply
We're not looking for slide decks. We're looking for startups that have done the work — validated a real problem, built a working prototype, and are ready to face investors with evidence. Here's what you need to qualify:
Your solution must use blockchain (Web3, DeFi, tokenization, smart contracts) and/or artificial intelligence. Pure ideation not accepted.
A functional web or mobile product that judges can test on Demo Day. No mockups, no wireframes, no "coming soon." Your product must be live.
Early-stage startups at pre-seed or seed stage. Minimum 2 co-founders, with at least one technical founder on the team.
Your solution must address a real market opportunity in the Philippines or ASEAN. Domains: MSME, New Age Finance, Supply Chain, Agri, HealthTech, GovTech.
At least one founder must pitch in person at SMX Convention Center, Manila on June 20, 2026. Remote pitching is not available.
Selected startups attend 2 pitch coaching sessions (June 8–10 and June 14–15). These are mandatory. No coaching = no pitch slot.
What Happens After You Apply
Founders Arena Matching Platform
Whether you pitch on June 20 or just join the ecosystem, the Founders Arena Matching Platform connects Web3 + AI founders with investors, TBIs, accelerators, and corporate partners across the Philippines and ASEAN — continuously, not just on Demo Day.
Your startup listed with domain, stage, raise amount, and tech stack visible to all registered investors.
Matched to investors whose mandate, stage preference, and sector focus align with your startup.
Direct pipeline to TBIs, incubators, and accelerators. Nominate yourself for their next cohort.
Matched with corporate innovation arms and Demo Day sponsors looking for startup partnerships and pilots.
Complete Exoasia's EVODINE™-based startup assessment and receive an investor-ready readiness report.
First access to future Founders Arena events, PBW opportunities, and ecosystem announcements.
Platform Access is Free for Startups
Joining the Founders Arena Matching Platform is free for all eligible Web3 + AI startups. You don't need to pitch at Demo Day to access the platform — but pitching on June 20 gives you the highest visibility to investors.
Ready to Join?
Two ways to participate. Choose the path that fits where you are right now.
Option 1 · Competitive
Pitch live at SMX on June 20 in front of investors at Philippine Blockchain Week. 10 slots. Application deadline: June 4, 2026. Demo Day entry also gives you full Matching Platform access.
Deadline: June 4 · 10 slots · Selected by June 7
Option 2 · Open Access
Skip the competition and join the Founders Arena Matching Platform directly. Free access to investor matching, TBI referrals, and corporate partnerships — year-round, no deadline.
Free · Open year-round · No pitch required