How a pitch competition changed everything
• by Agnes Fojan
At the beginning of 2024, somewhere between changing diapers and witnessing my child’s first attempts at walking, I made a decision: I would apply for the 90 Seconds Ideas Competition. The idea for An'gard had been sitting in a drawer for quite some time – the competition was the perfect push to finally bring it to life!
90 seconds that can change everything
For me, it was 90 exciting seconds on stage – and, to be honest, quite a “few” more seconds of preparation! But it was worth it.
The win – and what truly matters
I am absolutely thrilled about the fantastic feedback for An'gard and, of course, about securing a podium place at the 90 Seconds Ideas Competition in the Technology Driven Innovations category. First place and the prize money are a wonderful validation!
But the real gain from this event was what happened off stage:
Networking pays off: I was able to reconnect with familiar faces and meet many inspiring people – exactly the kind of energy you need as a founder.
The right partner finds you: One of these new connections was David. We got talking, the chemistry was right – and he has since taken over the technical side of An'gard. Without this competition, the team would be missing a crucial piece today.
Solutions emerge through conversation: Events like this are goldmines for exchange. Often, it is only through conversation that it becomes clear who needs what kind of support – or who already has the right solution.
My conclusion: Having the courage to present your idea publicly does not just lead to awards – it opens doors to the right people at the right time.
90 seconds that can change everything
For me, it was 90 exciting seconds on stage – and, to be honest, quite a “few” more seconds of preparation! But it was worth it.
The win – and what truly matters
I am absolutely thrilled about the fantastic feedback for An'gard and, of course, about securing a podium place at the 90 Seconds Ideas Competition in the Technology Driven Innovations category. First place and the prize money are a wonderful validation!
But the real gain from this event was what happened off stage:
Networking pays off: I was able to reconnect with familiar faces and meet many inspiring people – exactly the kind of energy you need as a founder.
The right partner finds you: One of these new connections was David. We got talking, the chemistry was right – and he has since taken over the technical side of An'gard. Without this competition, the team would be missing a crucial piece today.
Solutions emerge through conversation: Events like this are goldmines for exchange. Often, it is only through conversation that it becomes clear who needs what kind of support – or who already has the right solution.
My conclusion: Having the courage to present your idea publicly does not just lead to awards – it opens doors to the right people at the right time.
FAQ
Why should I step on stage and pitch my idea, even if I’m still at an early stage?
Stepping onto a stage is often the best initial spark for your project – for three key reasons:
Clarity under pressure: You are forced to get straight to the point. A pitch compels you to define the core problem and your value proposition with precision in a very short time.
Validation & feedback: You receive immediate, honest feedback from experts and a broad audience. This is invaluable for identifying flaws early and refining your idea.
Visibility: You bring your idea out of the drawer. Visibility attracts supporters, customers, and potential team members who would otherwise never have discovered you. A pitch acts as a catalyst for your next step.
Clarity under pressure: You are forced to get straight to the point. A pitch compels you to define the core problem and your value proposition with precision in a very short time.
Validation & feedback: You receive immediate, honest feedback from experts and a broad audience. This is invaluable for identifying flaws early and refining your idea.
Visibility: You bring your idea out of the drawer. Visibility attracts supporters, customers, and potential team members who would otherwise never have discovered you. A pitch acts as a catalyst for your next step.
Is networking really such an important skill for founders?
Absolutely. Networking is the fuel behind every project. Projects rarely fail because of the idea itself, but often due to a lack of resources or expertise.
Especially at events, the primary goal is not to find new customers, but to meet the right partners:
Talent pipeline: Through direct exchange, you meet people with complementary skills who can complete your team (like David, who took over the technical side).
Knowledge exchange: You benefit from the experiences of other founders and experts, saving you time and costly mistakes.
Filling the gaps: By openly discussing your challenges, others can offer targeted support. Networking is essentially about resolving bottlenecks through human connection.
Especially at events, the primary goal is not to find new customers, but to meet the right partners:
Talent pipeline: Through direct exchange, you meet people with complementary skills who can complete your team (like David, who took over the technical side).
Knowledge exchange: You benefit from the experiences of other founders and experts, saving you time and costly mistakes.
Filling the gaps: By openly discussing your challenges, others can offer targeted support. Networking is essentially about resolving bottlenecks through human connection.