Following its successful premiere at SaaStock18, we’re excited to announce that the Startup Program is officially set to take place alongside our São Paulo-based conference, SaaStock LatAm.
From April 23–24, we’ll be bringing 20 of the most exciting SaaS startups and empower them with unparalleled industry education, connections, and demo opportunities. Between our carefully-curated program and the burgeoning SaaS ecosystem of Latin America, we wholeheartedly believe that the SaaStock LatAm Startup Program is not only primed to foster the growth of its participants but that of the whole regional SaaS ecosystem.
A Brief History of Startups & SaaStock
Even prior to having 85 startups participate at our inaugural SaaStock18 Startup Program, we’ve been intimately familiar with the unique challenges faced by emerging SaaS ventures and the support they need to enjoy a healthy developmental path. As such, we’ve actively sought to engage with them by providing a platform to tell their story, as well as access to key mechanisms that can accelerate their growth.
In fact, our current official Travel Partner, TravelPerk, attended one of our earlier conferences, SaaStock17, as a Startup Partner. At the time, they were less than 30 employees and based in Barcelona, with their SaaS product that aimed to improve the process of booking business-related travel. Gidi Pridor, VP Marketing, JC Taunay Bucalo, VP Sales & Customer Success, and others from the team noted that the primary reason for TravelPerk’s attendance was simple — they needed to improve the exposure and brand awareness of their product. While they had already been demo-ing their product at travel expos, they craved an opportunity to connect with an audience that they would later coin as their sweet spot customers: other SaaS companies.
We’re proud to note that after partaking in the SaaStock experience, TravelPerk capitalised on 20 leads which had been added to their pipeline and in the following year, were recognised by both Gartner and G2 Crowd as Europe’s fastest growing SaaS company of 2018. Their development has been truly astounding, and we feel that their during their time at SaaStock, the content they absorbed, the pitch platform they enjoyed, and the people they met, all assisted in providing them with both the refined knowledge and skills needed to grow their business.
Moreover, their experience was one we strived to encapsulate in the creation of our SaaStock18 Startup Program — a model proven successful at SaStock18, and one we’re beyond excited to bring to SaaStock LatAm.
The Program: SaaStock LatAm
Welcome to the SaaStock Latam Startup Program, custom-built for B2B SaaS startups seeking to gain traction and growth. The program consists of a full 2 days packed with added benefits including a pre-event day “Startup Day” dedicated to startup content, networking and the start of a pitch competition. t’s also an opportunity to meet their fellow startup peers, and a direct introduction to conference partners with relevant offerings to the participants. Day 2 at the main conference is an opportunity for startups to showcase their products to 300 SaaS leaders and investors at the exhibition, have one-to-one meetings and meet our major partners for the event.
The Startup Program Day
In collaboration with our Global Startup Partner, Zendesk, the Startup Program Day at SaaStock LatAm will occur on the day prior to the official conference. We’re hosting this day in partnership with Cubo, who are providing the perfect place for our startups to gather. Packed with incredible content from established entrepreneurs, the Startup Day is set to include multiple practical workshops on issues affecting the growth off your SaaS, office hours with our partners and experts, a networking lunch and happy hour with partners, and a masterclass/headline bootcamp session. Last year, it was one of the highlights of the Startup Day, as we had Dan Martell and Michael Litt run our master growth session. This year, we are proud to announce one the most influential personalities in the global SaaS scene, Patrick Campbell, CEO of ProfitWell, will be delivering a not-to-be-missed masterclass about pricing. It’s a prime opportunity to connect with your peers, learn from those who have earned success before you, and take away meaningful lessons geared toward building your business.
During The Conference
Throughout days 2 and 3 of SaaStock LatAm, all Startup Program participants have the unique opportunity to pitch their product to attendees from their designated booths. Throughout the day, there is an opportunity to arrange one-to-one meetings with both investors and conference attendees. Following from the startup day, it’s the final for the pitch competition to announce the winner on the main stage. Furthermore, there is the opportunity to network and connect during the closing happy hour.
The Pitch Competition
In the SaaStock LatAm Pitch Competition, we hope to sift through the plentiful SaaS talent of Latin America, recognize ventures that are head and shoulders above the rest, and provide them with the recognition they deserve. In an environment flourishing with developing SaaS startups, we’re looking to involve our partners in the process of locating and accelerating the most promising startups in the area, through a multiple round, traditional pitch competition format. All Startup Program participants will have the opportunity to pitch in front of a judging panel during the Startup Day. It’s an opportunity to not just pitch your product to industry experts but get their valuable feedback. Prior to the pitch, there will be an opportunity for participants to get pitch coaching and polish their skills. The top 6 companies will be shortlisted to present their pitch on the largest SaaStock LatAm conference stage. All participants will be able to demo their product to an attentive audience, receive valuable feedback, and establish themselves as the most prominent, up-and-coming SaaS startups in Latin America.
The winners of the SaaStock LatAm Startup Program will win a fast-track ticket to the finals of our Global Pitch Competition at SaaStock19, where they will have the opportunity to compete for the title of “The Best SaaS Startup of 2019”. Winners will also gain access to Zendesk startup initiatives and fast track in the selection process for Cubo, our amazing co-hosts for the Startup Day. Our 2018 winner Cledara, founded by Cristina Vila, received a $25,000 prize and a feature on the podcast, SaaS Revolution Hub with SaaStock’s Founder and CEO, Alex Theuma.
Apply now for what is undoubtedly the best way to dial your SaaS up to eleven. There are only 20 spaces available, and so, don’t hesitate to apply here.
