How to attract startups to participate in a challenge?

Question

Hello dear community!

I woke up and wondered: why do we have so few applications for our challenge? Initially, a month ago, we planned to attract 60 startups, but I look at the number and see that only 30.

How to understand what does not attract the audience? Title? Bonuses, prizes? There are visits to the site, but filing applications is not enough.

Can someone give an expert opinion: what is missing? Or just not enough progress?

The site is here:
nanohq.co

Everest Ng · Accepted Answer

@v_m10 Good initiative to help startup! Hopefully I would participate soon!

Vladimir Malyavko · Answer

@technufllc Countdown is a very cool, I will think about adding it.

Aphelia T. · Answer

Hi Vladimir,

There are quite many missing points to tell for sure what (if anything) went wrong, e.g. what activities have you implemented up to now.

Otherwise, your website looks nice. But maybe a couple of things to add or consider - once I landed on your page, I did not see the word "challenge", neither I saw anything about "free" or price of participation.  You did add the values of the event, which is a right move; but probably best to add some basics like a CTA of "Join Startup Challenge Free Now" or so.

And maybe a countdown so people get a sense of urgency and scarcity.

But frankly, with this post of your you got me interested in joining the challenge as well. So good move :)

Everest Ng · Answer

Sharing my few cents, with kind intention, apologies in advance if it sounds tough. I can see you have identified problems very well, and the whole thing is to help founders overcome them if they participate.

TLDR: Need social prove or more unique value proposition on why this should be the method I choose. Yes I have all the problems, but also tell me why nanohq is the right one.

Though if I were a founder, I don't see why it has to be nanohq, your unique value proposition. I am being called to participate and the website helped me with understanding what to expect, but I don't see social prove or what additional/ creative approach nanohq offer to increase the chance of this challenge being a successful one. So to certain extent it feels like this is a more professionally done, organized community builder. The solution doesn't makes me want to commit immediately.

Vladimir Malyavko · Answer

@everest_ng thank you very helpful comment!

Aphelia T. · Answer

@v_m10 glad to help! good luck with the challenge :)

Answer

To attract startups to participate in a challenge, highlight the potential impact their solutions could have, offer meaningful incentives such as funding or mentorship opportunities, and create a supportive and collaborative environment where they feel empowered to innovate and succeed. With the right motivation and resources, startups can rise to the challenge and make a meaningful difference in the world.

How to attract startups to participate in a challenge?

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