Kauffman Foundation, Uber launch grant contest for women-led startups

Female entrepreneurs in Kansas City may not have the luxury of riding a “glass escalator,” but on Oct. 26 they can take an Uber ride for a chance at $120,000.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation on Tuesday announced UberPITCH, a nationwide pitch competition in partnership with Uber and business accelerator The Refinery. Women-led startups will have a chance to win up to $120,000 in grants and will gain feedback from investors.

Competitors will deliver a 10- to 15-minute pitch to an investor while riding in an Uber. Finalists will be invited to present their companies at the “Fueling the Growth” showcase in Stamford, Conn., on Nov. 16, where finalists will compete for the funds.

“Women-led startups received less than 2.7 percent of venture capital in 2011 – 2013, so a competition like this helps connect women entrepreneurs and investors in a dynamic, fun and innovative way,” Refinery co-founder Janis Collins said in a release. “But this competition is about more than prize money; it’s about giving the founders valuable access to investors and input on their businesses.”

The competition is open to those in Providence R.I., Baltimore Md., New Haven, Conn., Stamford, Conn., Washington D.C., and Kansas City, Mo. In order to apply, startups must have at least one woman in a leadership role, be able to demonstrate scalability, and utilize technology in their business model.

Full guidelines and applications are available here. Entrepreneurs must apply by Oct. 20.