The Entertainment Week Ghana Deal Room Pitch Competition is designed to spotlight and support early-stage startups innovating across entertainment, media, fashion, and the creator economy. This competition provides founders with an opportunity to secure investment, gain mentorship, and present their solutions to key industry stakeholders.
Applications close on 1 October 2026.
Who should apply?
We are looking for founders, startups, and innovators building AI- and technology-driven solutions that are shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy.
This year’s Deal Room focuses on AI, Tech & Capital, bringing together ventures leveraging emerging technologies to solve challenges and unlock opportunities across the creative industries.
We are looking for solutions across areas including, but not limited to:
AI-powered creative tools and platforms
Media and storytelling technology
Creator economy infrastructure and monetization
Music, film, television, gaming, and sports technology
Event technology, ticketing, and audience engagement
Fashion technology and digital commerce
Marketing, advertising, and brand collaboration platforms
Web3, immersive experiences, and emerging technologies for creatives
Creative fintech and digital payment solutions
Data, analytics, and business tools for creative enterprises.
Submission Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be building a technology or AI-enabled solution for the African creative economy.
- Have a working idea, prototype, MVP, or an early-stage business.
- Be seeking strategic partnerships, mentorship, grants, investment opportunities, or ecosystem support.
- Demonstrate the potential to scale and create meaningful impact across Africa’s creative industries.
Whether you’re building the next AI tool for creators, transforming entertainment through technology, or creating infrastructure that empowers Africa’s creative ecosystem, this is your opportunity to connect with investors, industry leaders, and partners who can help accelerate your growth.
Maximum: 10 slides (PDF or PPTX format)
Must Include:
- Cover slide with company name and tagline
- Problem and solution
- Market size and opportunity
- Business model and revenue strategy
- Traction, milestones, and growth metrics
- Competitive landscape
- Team and founder backgrounds
- Financials and funding ask
- Roadmap and future plans
- Contact details
Duration: 2-3 minutes
Must Include:
- The problem being solved
- The solution and how it is unique
- Market opportunity and size
- Business model and revenue strategy
- Team background and execution capability
- How investment from the competition will support growth
Format:
- Upload as MP4 (Max 100MB) or share a link (Google Drive)
- Ensure videos are (not private) if providing a link to Google Drive option
Applicants must provide:
- Company name, website, and social media links (if applicable)
- Founder and team details
- Business model and target customers
- Current traction (users, revenue, partnerships, etc.)
- Funding history, if any
- Key milestones and future plans
- Fill out the online submission form
- Upload the pitch deck and/or video pitch (or provide a video link)
- Submit before the deadline.
Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted startups will be invited to pitch live during Entertainment Week Ghana.
Inside the Cohort Pitch Sessions
Judging Criteria
Innovation & Originality
Market Potential
Traction & Execution
Scalability
Team Strength
Impact on the Economy
NB: Finalists will be selected based on their overall scores and alignment with the competition’s investment thesis.
Inside the Cohort Pitch Sessions
Rewards
- Cash prizes
- Investment
- Funding opportunities
- Mentorship
- Strategic advisory support
- Access to industry leaders and investors
- Visibility at Entertainment Week Ghana
For any questions regarding the application process, contact thedealroom@entertainmentweekghana.com
