GSV Cup FAQ | ASU+GSV Summit

What is the GSV Cup?

The GSV Cup is a platform designed to celebrate the most innovative and impactful pre-series A startups in the Digital Learning and Workforce Skilling sector globally. The Cup culminates at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego. A global network of hundreds of Venture Capitalists, Strategics, Accelerators and Entrepreneurs nominate innovative startups to be honored with the “GSV Cup 50” distinction. This prestigious recognition is a catalyst for their growth, providing unparalleled visibility and amplifying their impact.

Each year, these 50 honorees are not only granted complimentary access to the ASU+GSV Summit but also stand to gain incredible prizes, demo opportunities, valuable connections to investors, mentors, and potential buyers. They receive well-deserved public recognition as one of the esteemed “World’s 50 Most Innovative Digital Learning and Workforce Skilling Startups.” It's a transformative opportunity that propels these innovators to new heights.

Who should Be Nominated?

Any Pre-Seed and Seed stage startup innovating within the digital learning and workforce skills sector is eligible to be honored. Startups that are Pre-Seed or Seed stage by the time nominations come around (September of each year) are eligible. We will provide each GSV Cup 50 company with a complimentary ticket to the Summit among other prizes. Additionally - we will be giving away 150 FREE GOLDEN TICKETS to the ASU+GSV Summit exclusively for startups that complete their nomination.

When Do Nominations Open and Close?

2025 GSV Cup Nominations are closed. 2026 GSV Cup Nominations will open in September and close late novemeber 2026.

What is required During the nomination Process?

Simply the Name of the Company’s founder, the name of the Company, their LinkedIn Profile and their email.

The GSV Cup team will reach out to the nominee for a small amount of additional information like demographic information, sector information and a pitch deck.

What is the framework for evaluation?

Judges will focus on the “5 P’s”: People (team), Product (solution), Potential (market), Predictability (milestones/roadmap), and Purpose (corporate mission). Read more about the 5 P's here.

What are the benefits of Being Honored?

A Complimentary ticket to ASU+GSV Summit:
— Receive a free ticket to the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, the preeminent gathering of over 7K leaders in education and workforce learning.
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Demo Opportunity at Summit:
— Showcase your solutions in front of a 7K+ audience, including vital investors and leaders in Education and Workforce Learning at the Summit.

Priority Access to the ASU+GSV SHOW
— Get priority access to showcase your startup at the AI Show in front of 10K+ Educators and Investors

Exclusive Network Access:
— GSV Cup 50 honorees gain access to GSV’s elite network, including Superintendents, University Presidents, and Chief Learning Officers, through curated events at the Summit and beyond.
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What is the GSV Cup 50?

Companies honored with the “GSV Cup 50” distinction are the “World’s 50 Most Innovative Pre-Seed and Seed stage Digital Learning and Workforce Skilling Startups.” All honorees in the GSV Cup 50 receive a complimentary ticket to the ASU+GSV Summit for their CEO/founder and a special entrepreneur rate for their team among many other prizes.

Can I know who Nominated my Company?

Unfortunately, we can’t share that information.

When will I know If I'm Part of the"GSV Cup 50" and Invited to Participate at the ASU+GSV Summit?

We will release decisions in January 2025. Beyond the GSV Cup 50, we will be providing 150 complimentary golden tickets to the upcoming ASU+GSV Summit and all other nominees will receive an entrepreneur-rate discount to attend the Summit. We will contact you with a code.

If I have entered the GSV Cup or presented at the ASU+GSV Summit, can I still apply?

Yes! Absolutely.

Who are the sponsors of the GSV Cup?

AWS is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 GSV Cup.

What is GSV Ventures?

GSV Ventures is a global venture capital firm investing in technology entrepreneurs creating scaled solutions across the “Pre-K to Gray” digital education & skills sectors. Portfolio companies include Guild Education, Master Class, Pluralsight, TurnItIn, Coursera, Course Hero, and Degreed, amongst others.

April 17-19, 2023

April 17-19, 2023

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