Sponsored by the HBS African American Student Union and Black Investment Club at Harvard Business School

Emerging Founders Venture Competition 2027

A launchpad for early-stage founders building with limited access to capital. Pitch to top VCs, gain mentors and investor access, and compete for non-dilutive funding.

Apply now Check eligibility

Formerly the Black New Venture Competition

Not just another pitch competition

Now in its 8th year, EFVC connects promising early-stage founders from underrepresented communities with exposure to capital, mentors, and advisors. Founders pitch to a panel of esteemed judges in two tracks: one for pre-revenue ventures and one for revenue-generating ventures.

Our alumni started where you might be today: with an MVP, a vision, and limited access to capital.

$1M+awarded to founders since 2020
$20M+raised by alumni after the competition
700+attendees, investors, and alumni in the network

Alumni have earned spots in Y Combinator, Techstars, and Google for Startups.

Who should apply

We're looking for pre-revenue and revenue-generating ventures that are ready to scale. Your venture is a fit if it:

  • Has built an MVP, with early traction or a clear path to it
  • Is at the pre-seed to seed stage
  • Has raised less than $500,000 to date
  • Has been operating for less than 5 years

How the competition works

  1. 1

    Application round

    Applicants from across the country apply in one of two tracks: pre-revenue, or revenue-generating with less than $500K raised.

    Closes November 22, 2026
  2. 2

    Semifinal round

    Twenty semifinalists pitch to a panel of established VCs, who select five finalists in each track.

    Semifinal date
  3. 3

    Final round

    Ten finalists pitch at Harvard Business School to a new panel of VC judges and a live conference audience. Winners are announced the same day.

    February 27, 2027

What winners receive

Non-dilutive capital

Prize funding to fuel growth, with no equity taken.

VC mentorship and HBS resources

Semifinalists get mentorship from venture capitalists and programming from HBS faculty designed for early-stage founders.

Investors and community

Networking with angel investors and VC sponsors, plus a lasting network of EFVC alumni who have collectively raised over $20M.

Past winners

BA

Brook Ayalneh

Co-founder and CEO, Avion

Robotics that make healthcare access universal and efficient, even in hard-to-reach places.

CE

Crystal Euvelocha

Founder and CEO, Kiira

A confidential telehealth platform giving college women 24/7 access to primary care, OB/GYN, and mental health clinicians.

WL

Wale Lawal, Ph.D.

Co-founder and CEO, Mesa Quantum

Chip-scale quantum sensors delivering precision beyond the limits of traditional technology.

MB

Michael Bervell

Co-founder and CEO, TestParty

Tools that make it simple for developers and organizations to build accessible websites.

Previous sponsors include

Applications for EFVC 2027 are open

Apply by Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

Start your application