Rules & Requirements

Organizer Requirements

  • You must have attended a Startup Weekend event prior to organizing one of your own.
  • All Startup Weekend Organizers are individuals: you cannot organize a Startup Weekend event on behalf of another organization, group, or institution without specific approval from the Startup Weekend core team.

Branding Requirements

    • All Startup Weekend events are stand-alone events and cannot be co-branded
    • All Startup Weekend events must be named according to the following standard:

Startup Weekend + [City Name] , or
[City Name] + Startup Weekend

Note: This requirement does not apply for University, Themed (Vertical) or Corporate Events. Please contact the Startup Weekend team for alternative naming arrangements.

    • All Event Logos, Banners, and Other marketing materials must include the following:

The Startup Weekend Beaker Image

Note: The SW Beaker can be slightly modified/adapted to each Event’s local branding.

The text: “Powered by the Kauffman Foundation”

Website Requirements

All Startup Weekend Events must have a dedicated website in order to explain the format and purpose of the Event to the public, showcase the Event’s Coaches, Speakers, Judges, and Organizers, and provide proper recognition to the Event Sponsors. All Startup Weekend Event websites must contain:

1. A header/logo that adheres to the Branding & Naming Requirements (listed above)

2. The Event’s Coaches, Speakers, and Panelists

3. The Startup Weekend Global Sponsor Bar

4. A page/section dedicated to on-line ticketing.

IMPORTANT: Unless otherwise agreed, all Organizers must use the Website Template provided by the SW Team, with the URL of [City].startupweekend.org. Once your Application has been approved you’ll be given instructions for setting up and managing the site.

General Event Requirements

    • All Startup Weekend events must follow the standard 3-day, weekend-long format
    • All events must be open to the public (exceptions require specific approval from Startup Weekend HQ)
    • You may not Organize a ‘themed’ event without prior authorization from Startup Weekend HQ
    • All Startup Weekend events must have a certified Startup Weekend Facilitator and include this expense within the event budget.
    • No Startup Weekend event should have more than 125 active participants.

Note: Through numerous past experiences, we’ve learned Events larger than this size are detrimental to participants’ experiences.

  • Only seed-stage ideas (no concrete work done) are allowed to be pitched and worked on at Startup Weekend events.
  • All Startup Weekend events must give proper recognition to global as well as local sponsors
  • No cash prizes may be given at a Startup Weekend event. We encourage in-kind prizes (donated co-working space, networking opportunities, travel opportunities, etc.) that directly impact the progress and success of Startup Weekend teams.

Financial Requirements

  • All Startup Weekend Event Organizers are unpaid volunteers: you cannot organize a Startup Weekend event for personal financial gain.
  • Revenue from Ticket Sales and Sponsorships must be used to cover basic Event expenses:
    • Food and Drink
    • Event Supplies
    • Associated Venue costs (wifi, maintenance, security)
    • Facilitator Travel and Accommodation

    Note: For a more detailed breakdown of typical event expenses, see the Budgeting Section of the Organizer’s Guide.

  • All events must charge for admission. This is necessary to maintain the quality of the event and to cover basic event costs.
  • All ticket sales and sponsorships must go through Startup Weekend HQ. Funds will be advanced prior to or reimbursed after the event.

  • Note: In some instances, sponsorships may be received locally with prior authorization from SW HQ.

  • 50% of all leftover revenue (net profit after the above expenses have been covered) is retained by Startup Weekend, and 50% is reinvested back into the local startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem via the Startup Weekend Community Chest

Ready to apply? Verify that you’ve read and agree to the rules and go to the Event Application.

Still not sure? Advance to the Startup Weekend Organizer’s Guide to get more details on what it means to be an Organizer.

Past Event Photos