Question 1

What is a Startup Avenue Competition?

Accepted Answer

Is the gateway to the VOLCANO ecosystem: a pitch competition and visibility, investment, and connection platform for Latin American startups.
Each year, we select 50 startups with validation and growth potential to take part in mentorship, VC Ready Training, and a Demo Day at Volcano Summit.

Question 2

Who can apply?

Accepted Answer

Latin American startups at Early Stage, Pre-Seed, Seed, or Growth stages, with a validated product and early traction.

There are no industry restrictions.

Question 3

Is there any cost to participate?

Accepted Answer

Applying and participating are free of charge.
Each Startup is responsible for its own travel and accommodation expenses to attend Volcano Summit.

Question 4

Do I need a legal entity to participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Startups must have a registered legal entity to ensure operational clarity and to facilitate connections with funds and corporate partners.

Question 5

How do I apply and how long does it take?

Accepted Answer

You must complete the official F6S application form (optimized 2026 version).
The application takes 15–20 minutes and is designed to avoid friction and duplicate questions.

Question 6

What criteria are used to select the 50 finalist startups?

Accepted Answer

The selection committee (Volcano + Leapstart + VC and corporate partners) evaluates:
Traction and growth
Clarity of narrative and value proposition
Market momentum
Team and execution capacity
Investment and/or corporate pilot potential

Question 7

What are the benefits of being selected?

Accepted Answer

Before the Summit
Access to VC Ready Training (8 weeks)
Mentorship and pitch reviews
Early connections with partner funds
Investor-ready graphic kits and one-pagers
During the Summit
Showcase booth / startup stand
2 full-access tickets
Networking with funds, corporates, and ecosystem communities
Participation in the Demo Day in front of investors
After the Summit
90-day follow-up
Invitation to Volcano Founders Membership or Volcano Accelerator

Question 8

What does the VC Ready Training include?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 program focuses on:
Advanced fundraising and negotiation
Go-to-market, growth, and distribution
Stage-specific advanced pitching
Intensive Demo Day preparation

Question 9

Is the program online or in person?

Accepted Answer

The pre-Summit program is 100% online, with live sessions.
Throughout the year, there may be optional in-person activities as part of the Volcano Tour.
The Demo Day takes place during the Volcano Summit in Antigua Guatemala.

Question 10

Does Startup Avenue  make investor introductions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when the startup is ready.
Introductions are made to partner funds, corporates, and the Summit network, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Question 11

What should I prepare for the pitch?

Accepted Answer

Each startup will have 4 minutes to pitch + 3 minutes for Q&A.
The pitch can be delivered in Spanish or English, but we recommend English, as at least one of the judges will be international.

Question 12

Can I bring materials or showcase my product?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Selected startups will have space to showcase their product, prototype, or physical materials during the Summit.

Question 13

What networking opportunities are available?

Accepted Answer

During the Summit, you’ll have access to:
Meetings with investment funds
Networking and integration activities
Masterclasses and private sessions
Encounters with corporates and communities from across LATAM

Question 14

Can I participate if I’ve already raised investment?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Many selected startups have already raised pre-seed or seed rounds. What matters most is momentum and growth potential.

Question 15

What happens if I’m not selected?

Accepted Answer

You may still receive:
Invitations to future calls and opportunities
Options to join Volcano Membership or the Volcano Accelerator

Question 16

Can I apply to Startup Avenue Competition if I’m already in another Volcano program?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Startup Avenue is compatible with other programs such as the Membership and the Accelerator.
All programs are part of the Volcano Startups Programs platform and are designed to complement each other, not exclude.

Question 17

Is Startup Avenue Competition open to investors, corporates, or ecosystem partners?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

To participate as an ally, judge, partner, or speaker, please contact our Head of Startups at startups@volcanosummit.com

Welcome! This is where you'll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Volcano Innovation Summit 2026.

What is a Startup Avenue Competition?

Who can apply?

Is there any cost to participate?

Do I need a legal entity to participate?

How do I apply and how long does it take?

What criteria are used to select the 50 finalist startups?

What are the benefits of being selected?

What does the VC Ready Training include?

Is the program online or in person?

Does Startup Avenue make investor introductions?

What should I prepare for the pitch?

Can I bring materials or showcase my product?

What networking opportunities are available?

Can I participate if I’ve already raised investment?

What happens if I’m not selected?

Can I apply to Startup Avenue Competition if I’m already in another Volcano program?

Is Startup Avenue Competition open to investors, corporates, or ecosystem partners?