Arena returns to TIA Tokyo 2017 in search of the next big startup

If you are a fan of Pokemon Go, you would be familiar with the excitement of battling in gym arenas and beating other players’ Pokemons to become a gym leader and earn badges of glory. Now, Tech in Asia has brought that concept from reel life into real life with its mainstay segment: the hotly anticipated Arena pitch battle – featuring a perpetually packed Main Stage with only standing space.

Back for its 4th installment at Tech in Asia Tokyo 2017, past editions of this segment has produced a strong track record of winners achieving success in their startup ventures. As Tech in Asia embarks on a search for their next winner, here are your key takeaways simply from participating at the Arena pitch battle:

Get noticed by investors

To successfully scale up your startup, financial backing is important. Therefore, one of the best benefits from participating in the Arena is getting the undivided attention of investors who have their eyes set on you. In fact, your chances of securing funding are significantly higher than other attendees as your startup’s information will be shared with participating investors and media outlets.

All that’s left for you to do is to join the competition and show investors what you’ve got through your pitch.

Still not convinced? Just take a look at how far winners of previous editions have grown through the Arena competition. If they can do it, so can you!

Judges at Tech in Asia Tokyo 2016’s Arena pitch battle Photo credit: Tech in Asia

Gain international media coverage

An idea, no matter how brilliant, remains simply an idea if you don’t get the word out on why it’s worth executing and how to act on it. The Arena pitch battle is a highlight event closely watched by the startup community, with 54 international media representatives attending last year’s competition in Tokyo. Considering the presence of prominent names like Bloomberg, Forbes Japan, The Bridge, and Techsauce, there’s no better platform than this to raise awareness for your startup.

Win support from the community

After generating buzz with your pitch, the next step would be to transform that idea into a deliverable product. Of course, building your product is not a one-man show. Since there will be industry insiders present at the conference, your participation in Arena will help you stand out from the crowd, and is extremely valuable in helping you get the hands you need on deck. Who knows, you might receive collaboration offers from like-minded tech professionals to take your startup to the next level!

Tech in Asia Tokyo 2016’s Arena finalists Photo credit: Tech in Asia

Ready, get set, pitch!

To all hardware and software startups, now’s your chance to craft your success story: Tech in Asia is on the hunt for the best startups to pitch at the Arena on September 28, at the Main Stage of Tech in Asia Tokyo 2017. To be eligible for the Arena pitch battle, your startup needs to fulfill the following criteria:

• Raised less than US$3 million worth of external funding
• A working prototype showcasing an innovative solution
• Proven traction with a strong team
• Pitch in English or Japanese

Applications will close soon on 8 September, so make sure you apply before then to stand a chance at flexing your pitching skills and impressing a 2,000 strong crowd!

Selected participants will get a complimentary one-day Bootstrap Alley booth, 2 exhibitor passes, and access to all conference segments (except investor lounge) to learn a wide range of knowledge from industry experts. Be sure to check out the exciting, new changes happening at Tech in Asia Tokyo 2017 too!