PowerUp 2026 (run by Qonto) | Milan, Italy - F6S

2026-11-05 · Milan

Milan

PowerUp 2026 brings early-stage Italian startups to Milan for a competitive pitch night run by Qonto, awarding ecosystem perks and mentorship.

PowerUp is Qonto's annual startup competition and ecosystem program, now in its 5th edition. Early-stage Italian startups with up to €3M raised can apply for visibility, continuous training, and an exclusive live Pitch Night in Milan. Prizes include tickets and travel to VivaTech 2027, free Qonto software, and mentorship from Qonto executives.

Founder brief

Who should attend

Early-stage Italian founders who have raised up to €3M across pre-seed and seed stages should consider applying before the October 18 deadline. Companies across all sectors qualify, though teams focused on fintech, SaaS, and ecommerce will find strong alignment.

What happens

Six selected finalist startups—split evenly between pre-seed and post-seed—pitch live to a panel of judges on November 5. Two winning companies will receive VivaTech 2027 tickets and travel, a free year of Qonto software, and executive mentorship.

Who's in the room

Qonto team members Arianna Pavesi, Elena Finazzi, and Lorenzo Zatini host the session, backed by executive mentors Alex Prot and Heidrun Luyt. An evaluating jury composed of investors, experienced founders, and industry experts will judge the pitches.

How to prepare

Finalists need a clear, well-timed deck that directly addresses market size, traction, and capital efficiency within their funding stage. Practicing concise responses to probing investor questions will help teams make the most of their time onstage before the jury.

Organizer: Qonto

Register

At a glance

Tickets
Free
Format
6 finalist startups selected for Pitch Night (3 Pre-Seed and 3 Post-Seed) pitching to a jury of investors, founders, and experts.
Theme
5th edition startup competition and ecosystem program
Who can apply
Early-stage Italian startups with up to €3M raised (all sectors welcome).
Prizes
Tickets & travel to VivaTech 2027, 1 year of Qonto for free, and mentorship with Alex Prot and Heidrun Luyt
Stage
Pre seed, Seed
Sectors
Fintech, Ecommerce, Saas

Agenda

  1. Before October 18, 2026 · Applications for the call — Submit your application by October 18, 2026.
  2. Selection of finalists — 6 finalist startups selected for Pitch Night
  3. November 5, 2026 · Exclusive Pitch Night — Milan, November 5, 2026: A jury of investors, founders, and experts will award two startups.
  4. PowerUp continues — Ad hoc training sessions throughout the year to support your startup.

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Arianna Pavesi — Event Manager @Qonto, Qonto (Host)
  • Elena Finazzi — Community @Qonto, Qonto (Host)
  • Lorenzo Zatini — Digital marketer, Qonto (Host)
  • Alex Prot — CEO & Co-Founder, Qonto (Mentor)
  • Heidrun Luyt — CGO, Qonto (Mentor)

Browse more

More events in Milan

See all events in Milan