Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is expanding its Most Fundable Companies (MFC) competition, creating a new opportunity for participating startups to compete on a global stage through a partnership with Startup World Cup, the #1 startup pitch competition in the world, hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures.
For the first time, the MFC Showcase will incorporate the Startup World Cup Los Angeles Regional competition. One MFC winner will be chosen to advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where startups from around the world compete for a $1 million investment prize.
Pepperdine Graziadio has previously partnered with Startup World Cup to host the Los Angeles Regional competition. This year marks the first time the regional competition will be fully integrated into the Most Fundable Companies Showcase, further strengthening the program’s role in identifying and elevating investment-ready startups.
The collaboration builds on a proven track record of success. EarthGrid, a winner in the 2022 Most Fundable Companies competition, went on to win the 2024 Startup World Cup Grand Finale World Championship.
“The Most Fundable Companies competition is designed to identify startups that are truly investment-ready, and this new partnership with Startup World Cup creates a natural next step–giving those companies a global stage to compete and connect with investors,” said Dr. Craig Everett, executive director of the Most Fundable Companies competition and executive director of the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project.
The Most Fundable Companies program is open to all U.S.-based startups with annual revenues under $10 million. Applicants are evaluated on factors including financial projections, market opportunity, competitive positioning, intellectual property, and management strength, with submissions reviewed by investors, venture advisors, and Pepperdine faculty.
The 2026 Most Fundable Companies winners will be announced on September 23 and recognized at the showcase event hosted at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.
Applications for the 2026 Most Fundable Companies program are currently open and have been extended to May 20, 2026.
To learn more or apply, visit pepperdine.edu/mfc or startupworldcup.io/la-pepperdine-2026.
Disclaimers: The Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies List does not represent an offer to sell securities. It does not constitute investment advice, nor is it an endorsement of any product or service. Pepperdine University is not a broker-dealer and does not perform services provided by a broker-dealer, including but not limited to any financial or investment advising.
About Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School
For more than 50 years, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has challenged individuals to think boldly and drive meaningful change within their industries and communities. Offering a comprehensive range of BSM, MBA, MS, executive, and doctoral degree programs grounded in integrity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Graziadio School advances experiential learning through small classes with distinguished faculty that stimulate critical thinking and meaningful connection. Students and working professionals are inspired to realize their greatest potential as values-centered leaders. Follow Pepperdine Graziadio on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Startup World Cup
Startup World Cup is the #1 startup pitch competition in the world, hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures. With 100+ regional pitch competitions across 6 continents, Startup World Cup provides a global platform for startups to showcase their innovations and secure funding. Startups can apply to pitch at our upcoming regional events and have a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to Silicon Valley. The winner of each regional pitch competition will earn an invitation to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale series of events in San Francisco, California. At the Grand Finale, the Regional Startup Winners will compete for a $1 Million investment prize and gain access to an unparalleled network of global investors, mentors, and industry partners.
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