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 global digital learning and workforce skills sector. 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 gain incredible benefits like exclusive demo opportunities and valuable connections to investors, mentors, and potential buyers.

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?

2026 GSV Cup Nominations are now open and close November 30, 2025.

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 GSV's “5 P’s” framework: 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 complimentary admission to the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit, the preeminent gathering for education and workforce learning innovation.
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Demo Opportunity at Summit:
— Showcase your solutions in front of our community of 7,000+ PreK to Gray leaders, including vital investors and leaders in education and workforce learning at the Summit.

Priority Access to THE AI SHOW @ ASU+GSV
— 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 as the “GSV Cup 50” are recognized as 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 other benefits and distinctions.

Can I know who Nominated my Company?

Unfortunately, we can’t share that information.

When will I know If I'm Selected and Invited to Participate at the ASU+GSV Summit?

We will release decisions in January. 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! If you are still pre-Series A, please do apply.

Who are the sponsors of the GSV Cup?

The 2026 GSV Cup is presented by AWS and GSV Ventures.

What is GSV Ventures?

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

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