June 13th, 2025

Startup
World
Cup

Gradient proudly hosted the Oklahoma Regional for the Startup World Cup 2025, a global pitch competition bringing together some of the most exciting emerging startups in the world. With a packed house, sharp judges, and a high-energy crowd, the event featured 10 innovative companies competing for a chance to advance to the global finals—and one walked away with the title.

This Year's Startups

Congratulations to Rejuvenation Beverage Co., our 2025 regional winner! Their mission to deliver plant-powered functional beverages with clean ingredients and no crashes wowed both judges and the audience.

Meet The Judges

Canem Arkan

Endeavor Heartland

Managing Director

Malachi Blankenship

Tulsa Innovation Labs

Director of Capital & Entrepreneurship

Kristin Gracia

The Verge

Executive Director

Gretchen Wendtland

Williams

Senior Manager

Desiree Frieson

Build in Tulsa

Director of Programs

things
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FAQs

Important Dates

May 26: Applications Close
June 3: Top 10 Announced
June 13: SWC Regionals @ Gradient
October 15: San Francisco Semi-Finals
October 17: San Fransisco Grand Finale

How can a startup pitch at the Grand Finale?

Startup World Cup hosts 100+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Each regional winner will fly to San Francisco to compete in the semi-finals!

What will the regional winning startups receive?

Startup World Cup will provide free event tickets to attend the Networking Party, and Grand Finale for the winning startup from each regional event. Gradient will provide $5k towards travel and 1:1 mentorship with industry experts.

What does the world champion get for winning the final competition?

The winner of the Grand Finale will receive US $1,000,000 prize in investment. It will either be in exchange for a portion of equity related to the most recent round of funding or a convertible note, depending on the size of the company and how much funding they have raised.

How many startups will be selected to compete in the Oklahoma regional event?

The Oklahoma regional competition will feature the top 10 startups among the applicants. Pegasus Ventures will manage criteria and selection of the top 10 to compete at Gradient.

What type of startups can apply?

We encourage startups in any industry, at any stage, to apply. Please note that the startup must be a legal entity not just an idea.

We have already raised some capital, are there any restrictions for applying?

There are no restrictions on the amount of capital raised, we encourage everyone to apply.

Regional Sponsors

Thank you to the partners who help make Startup World Cup possible.

The Verge
ocn
cortado
ocast
williams

Community & Resource Partner

Community and Resource Partners strengthen our ecosystem by actively participating in and co-hosting events, championing collaborative initiatives, and fostering meaningful engagement with our community.

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