Paris Blockchain Week concluded its 5th annual Start in Block competition. They awarded more than $10 million in prizes to upstart innovative blockchain startups! The competition, a centerpiece of the week-long event, attracted more than 1,000 applicants hungry to prove their moxie.
The Start in Block competition is an important step toward supporting growth-focused innovation in the blockchain space. It provides startups unparalleled visibility and one-on-one access to the most impactful investors. This year's edition featured three distinct tracks: DeFi, AI, and Gaming & Consumer, reflecting the diverse applications of blockchain technology.
Paris Blockchain Week was founded to be the leading global event of the blockchain and Web3 ecosystem. The blockbuster event attracts thousands of participants. Topping that list are industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, regulators and blockchain enthusiasts, all eager to learn more about emerging technologies and their transformative potential. Yet, it is as steadfast as ever in its dedication to unlocking real innovation through increased collaboration and knowledge sharing across the blockchain ecosystem.
From the original applicant pool of more than 1,000 applicants, the 100 startups that made it into the final rounds received amazing visibility. After an extensive judging process, 12 finalists were selected to compete in each of the three tracks. Our Smart City Challenge finalists confidently shared their innovative ideas on the Master Stage. A panel of distinguished judges, including Jakub Rusiecki, Ashley Ouyang, and Alix Musset, heard intently.
Each winner was awarded a place in an amazing package that included more than $10 million in funding, tech grants, accelerations, global listings and media support. In return, the investment is intended to help drive their projects further and foster the development of a healthy blockchain ecosystem.
Beyond the competition, the Investor Breakfast powered by iExec proved an important networking opportunity. Upon being selected, this opening night allowed our founders, juries, and investors time to mingle and network, planting seeds for future collaborations. Myriad Market introduced a prediction market surrounding the Startup Competition, adding an element of anticipation as participants predicted the outcomes.
The Start in Block competition is arguably the single most prestigious, most highly-coveted award available to a startup and entrepreneur and thus the investors who support them. Its focus is squarely on finding and nurturing the best ideas, the best talent and most-promising ventures within the emergent blockchain space. That competition generates innovation, and innovation is what attracts investment. More importantly, it sets the right tone for determining the industry’s future.
