<p>40 Words gives emerging entrepreneurs at Web Summit Vancouver the chance to share their business with investors in just 40 words.</p>
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<p><strong>Please note applications for 2025 have closed now</strong>.</p>
<p>You can still book tickets or apply for our 2026 ALPHA startup programme.</p>
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<p>A member of our startups team will review your application. You’ll receive an email with more information.</p>


Thanks for your interest in our startup program at Web Summit Vancouver 2026.

40 Words

<p>To apply for 40 Words, simply send us an unedited video outlining your startup’s elevator pitch in just 40 words. If chosen, your video will be showcased across all content stages during Web Summit Vancouver.</p>


How does it work?

<p>Entrepreneurs must submit a self-recorded, unedited video presenting their pitch. The Web Summit Vancouver team will review each application and create a shortlist of successful candidates. Scripts must contain 40 words or less, hence the name!</p>


Startup selection

<p>You’ve only got 40 words, so choose them wisely – cut the filler and focus on the central idea. Your video isn’t just going out to investors, it’s for everyone at Web Summit Vancouver. Use language all attendees will understand, whatever their background.</p>


Make every second count

<p>All selected videos will be played on screens at each of our stages, and throughout the event venue, maximizing your pitch exposure during Web Summit Vancouver. You never know what savvy investor or experienced industry leader may catch on to your idea!</p>


40 Words

Startup selection

Make every second count

At the event

Meet some of our past startups

“The world’s best speakers.”

“Web Summit buzzes with startup electricity.”

“One of the world's biggest tech conferences.”