Start & Pulse

Start & Pulse Challenge is a competition event that aims to find the perfect collaboration fit between an ambitious startup and Creditplus bank, in order to realize a MVP-project together. The highlight of the Challenge is the Start & Pulse Pitch Day.

The competition is structured in 4 phases:

1. Application: The startups have the possibility to apply via the competition website.

2. Selection: Creditplus and its partners select – in a two step process – the TOP 10 startups. The first step includes the selection of 25 qualified startups by the end of February 2023. Second, this list will be further evaluated and the TOP 10 will be invited to the Pitch Day on the 3rd May 2023.

3. Pitch Day: On the 3rd May 2023 the Creditplus Start & Pulse Pitch Day will take place. On this day the TOP 10 will be invited to present their product/solution and connect to different department representatives of Creditplus. A renowned Jury will evaluate the TOP 10 and select the TOP 3 winners. The first place will receive a 3-month paid MVP project worth 25.000€ and 5.000€ prize money. The second and third place will receive 3.000€/2.000€ prize money. A cooperation with the second and third-placed company is also conceivable.

4. MVP Project: Following the Start & Pulse Pitch Day, a kick-off meeting will be scheduled with the winner to go into more detail on finding a MVP solution and to discuss the next steps. The average time until integration is 3 months.

• You have an existing founding-team.

• You bring the capabilities to realize a MVP.

• You have a prototype and/or product that basically works.

• Your company is incorporated.

• Your company is registered in the EU.

• You have at least a validated problem-solution fit.

• You fulfill current legal, data and IT-security requirements as required by the country your company is registered in.

No. We do not charge any fee for your application. Should you be selected as one of the TOP10 and invited for the Pitch Day, you need to cover travel expenses to Stuttgart, Germany.

The winners will be selected by the Jury at the Pitch Day in May 2023.

The Jury and evaluation partners will base their decision upon these main criteria:

• Financials/Business Model

• Team

• Customer Understanding

• Problem/Solution Relevance

• Traction

• Cultural Fit with Creditplus

• Motivation for Collaboration with Creditplus

Yes, you can. The format does not address startups of a specific industry segment but any startup with a promising product/solution, team and mindset within the overall theme “Green Transformation”. So the opposite is the case, startups from outside the industry who can describe why their solution is a great addition for Creditplus, are very welcome. We have listed “Green Transformation” subcategories on the website for your guidance. However, as mentioned above, if you demonstrate why you should be included, we will definitely consider you.

Yes. Re-applications are allowed in case your company does fit to this year’s topic “Green Transformation” and the subcategories as described on the website. However, you also have to fill out the application completely and follow the selection process like any other applicant.

No, Start & Pulse is a competition event that aims to find the perfect collaboration fit between an ambitious startup and the Creditplus bank, in order to realize a MVP-project together.

The MVP-project you enter in collaboration with Creditplus after the Start & Pulse Pitch Day, if you win, is paid. The MVP-project is seen as the start of a long-term cooperation in the sense of a customer-supplier relationship.

The one-day program will give you the chance to meet Creditplus and like-minded ambitious entrepreneurs. The Creditplus Management and different departments will join on this Pitch Day and we will create sufficient time for networking and discussions. The format comprises different interactive sessions, working sessions as well as the pitching event and award ceremony.

The Pitch Day will take place physically and you have to be present in order to represent your startup and to qualify for a prize.

You can start applying from 12th January 2023 onwards via the application form until 24th February 2023, 11.59pm.

For the application and selection process, as well as the Pitch Day we use English. For the MVP-project both, English and German, is possible.

You can start applying from 9th January 2023 onwards via the application form until 24th February 2023, 11.59pm.

Please refer to the section: What is Start & Pulse 2023?

If you win, you will go into a 3 months paid MVP-project in collaboration with Creditplus. Also, the first three places of the Start & Pulse Pitch Day will receive a prize money. By participating you will profit from the won media attention and new business contacts, also after the event.

The MVP-project will last about 3months. There you will go through Creditplus’ fast track innovation process, which is a specifically developed process. Your product and technology will be tested in an applied use case together with Creditplus.

We are working closely with our project partner GERMANTECH for the Start & Pulse award. For any questions you can contact Linda Lichel who is responsible for all Start & Pulse Challenge related questions: startandpulse@german.tech.