Covid or no Covid, the startup world must go on. In fact, one could argue that startups and entrepreneurship have become even more important at a time when travel has been decimated by the pandemic and needs every resource available to help in its rebuilding.
With hundreds of thousands of jobs lost as travel companies fought to survive the crisis, there’s no more critical time than now for entrepreneurs to rise to the challenge to build businesses, add value and create jobs.
New ideas and solutions are needed to help in travel recovery and make travel better for the next generation of travellers.
“This is why this year’s WiT Startup Pitch is even more significant this year,” said Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder, WiT. “The travel landscape has been changed. Covid-19 exposed weaknesses in the travel value chain. We need to encourage new players to come forth with their ideas to address those weaknesses and solve new customer pain points.
“We’ve found through the past few months it’s been the startups with nothing to lose who’ve been most creative and aggressive in facing the challenges of Covid. All have had to take tough decisions, made bold moves and been ready to do battle. Not all will survive, but those who do will be the gems.”
For the first time, the WiT Startup Pitch 2020, now in its 12th year, will go virtual. It is calling for entries from entrepreneurs from all over the world. It will leverage its regional editions – WiT Seoul, WiT Japan & North Asia, WiT Middle East and Africa – to seek out new ideas and fresh batches of entrepreneurs.
Entries will be shortlisted by a panel of judges and the shortlisted startups will pitch at the WiT Virtual Global Bootcamp on September 28, which kicks off WiT Experience Week. Winners of the competition will be announced at WiT Singapore 2020 on October 1.
“Virtual means borderless and this gives us a golden opportunity to unite the world of startups in online travel,” said Siew Hoon. “We are also excited to partner with Phocuswright Innovation, and our winner will have the opportunity to present at the Innovation Summit at The Phocuswright Conference in Phoenix, November 16 – 19, 2020.
“Everything is new this year. Depending on the entries we get, we will adapt the competition for the best outcome. What’s for sure is, we will have a good and diverse representation of judges with both global and regional expertise.”
Said Pete Comeau, Managing Director of Phocuswright, “Entrepreneurs thrive during times of crises and tomorrow’s most innovative travel companies are being created today during this challenging time. Phocuswright is thrilled to partner with WiT to uncover the most promising early-stage companies who will shape the future of our great industry.”
On Thursday June 11, WiT collaborated with Phocuswright and PhocusWire to run the PhocusWire Global Startup Showcase.
Note: The deadline for entries for WiT Startup Pitch 2020 is July 17, 2020. Submit your entries here.