Lair East Labs

What is Supernova?

Lair East Labs’ Supernova Global Pitch Competition will bring together top startups with a global vision to pitch for equity-free prize money, investment and market-entry opportunities in China, and the attention of media and investors from the Greater China Area. Participation is entirely free of charge. The competition is hosted by Lair East Labs, in collaboration with LiangCang Accelerator, an Alibaba-affiliated startup accelerator.

Supernova Global Pitch 2020 focuses on connecting and supporting outstanding startups around the world impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. It is an exceptional opportunity to pitch your business to an active tech market with extensive investment pools.

Selected founders will pitch their startups online to top VCs from both America and China. All online demos or pitch sessions will also be live-streamed to a broader audience worldwide.

What’s
the prize?

Award

Winner

Silver Award

Bronze Award

Cash Prize

USD $28,000 Cash

USD $14,000 Cash

USD $7,000 Cash

Total Spot(s)

x1

x4

x7

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Who are we looking for?

Any startup looking to explore the Greater China market is welcome to apply.
Startups will be selected based on the following criteria:

Scalability and potential to
expand internationally
Complimentary founding team
backgrounds with solid track records
The startup’s product or service should bring
disruptive value to the industry it targets

For Chinese Founders Only: please refer here for additional information.

What else?

All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to secure one of the limited spots. Our preference goes to early applications.

Dates

April 20, 2020 application open

May 31, 2020 early decision deadline

June 30, 2020 all selected applicants will be notified

Early-November 2020 Semi-final Round

Mid-November 2020 Global Final Round

All finalists will receive a sponsored trip to Hangzhou, China with reimbursement up to USD $3,000 towards transportation & accommodation to participate in the Final Round
Specific founders might be qualified for the Special Talent Grant up to $700,000, which varies based on the founder’s background. Please contact us to inquire about further details should any interest arise. The Special Talent Grant is separate from the awards.
Our preference goes to early applications
Selected founders will also be awarded:

$10,000 in AWS Promotional Credit valid for two years

One year of AWS Business Support (up to $5,000)

All online demos or pitch sessions will be live-streamed.

Judges

Confirmed VC judges for the North America Pitch Session on June 24th

Past Investors

Media Partners

All applicants should submit a formal application here: Apply Now

For additional information, please contact us at apply@laireastlabs.com

FAQ

Is there any specific sector requirement?

No. The Supernova Global 2020 Pitch is open to all startups from different sectors, but preference goes to the following sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare, Biotech, Digital Manufacturing, Blockchain, Big Data, Aerospace, Internet, Quantum Computing

Do I need to register a company entity in China to receive the cash prize if I win anything in the Final Round?

No, though you and your team are welcome to set up a local entity in Hangzhou, China, with extensive supports from our local partners.
The final cash prize will be deposited into your preferred company bank account.
Specific founders might be qualified for the Special Talent Grant up to $700,000, which varies based on the founder’s background. Please contact us to inquire about further details should any interest arise. The Special Talent Grant is separate from the awards.

How long will it take to hear back about the next steps?

All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You should receive a notification from our end most likely in May and June. All notifications will be sent out by June 30, 2020.
If you do not hear back from us by the end of June 30, 2020, it means we have decided to move forward with other applications.

Will the Semi-final Round be hosted online or offline? In the United States, China, or somewhere else?

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the overall operation, the final format of the Semi-final Round and Final Round has not yet been finalized. However, if either the Semi-final or the Final is hosted in Hangzhou, China, all selected teams will receive a sponsored trip to Hangzhou, China with reimbursement up to USD $3,000 towards transportation & accommodation to participate in the on-site competition. The teams will also be invited to visit leading tech players such as Alibaba and other tech startups in the local ecosystem.

SupernovaGlobal Pitch 2020 RSVP for the North America Pitch Session on June 24th!