• The venture must have an HBS alumni as a founder.
  • Ventures must have less than $2 million USD in revenue. In addition, they may not have raised more than $ 2.5 million USD in total debt/invested equity capital. This amount includes money received through grants, awards, and other funding sources. Teams must meet both criteria. Invested capital is defined as funding appearing on the plan's balance sheet at the time of submission, which is no later than January 29, 2018. Teams will disclose any prior funding received at the time of registration.
  • HBS Investors are not eligible to submit companies unless they are identified as a founder and involved full-time in the day-to-day operations. The HBS Founder must be represented at all events and be the pitch lead.
  • Investment funds, acquisitions, and consulting services are not deemed "new ventures" and are not eligible.
  • Cash and in-kind prizes are awarded solely to participating companies and not to any grant-funding institutions.
  • The HBS Rock Center for Entrepreneurship reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates the rules or spirit of the competition. The decision of the Rock Center are final and binding.


    KEY DATES 

  • JAN29
    • Monday
      January, 29, 2018

    Deadline for NVC applications at 11:59pm ET

  • MAR28
    • Wednesday
      March, 28, 2018

    Deadline for regional winners’ materials (pitch deck & video)

  • APR17
    • Tuesday
      April, 18, 2018

    Regional winners pitch live on HBS campus. 4 global finalists are chosen

  • APR18
    • Wednesday
      April, 18, 2018

    NVC Finale – 4 global finalists pitch and judges (prominent VCs) select top 2 winners: Grand Prize & Runner-Up winners