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.

Latin American startups at Early Stage, Pre-Seed, Seed, or Growth stages, with a validated product and early traction. There are no industry restrictions.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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