»Panther Cage Pitch Competition 2026

Calling All Aspiring Entrepreneurs!

Sign up for Chapman University’s Panther Cage Pitch Competition

The Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics hosts its annual ‘shark-tank’ like pitch competition.

Why Participate?

Compete for $1,500 in cash.
Get feedback from experienced judges.
Present to angel investors and venture capitalists who can opt to fund your startup.
Meet other entrepreneurs and possible team members for your startup.
Forge bonds with potential backers, and industry experts.

If you are a visionary with an innovative business idea, sign up today!

How to Enter

To participate, share your business idea through our online portal and await our committee’s appraisal. If selected, you'll be asked to unleash your pitch to our panel of judges at our live Panther Cage showdown!

30-second video elevator pitch submitted by February 26 to be considered for final round

3 minute live pitch with presentation deck for finalists

You can find an example pitch deck here

Delivery

Intro / hook / progression of content

Tone, pitch, projection, dynamics, confidence

Passion, knowledge, expertise

Use of time

Idea

Significance of problem (in context)

Degree solution solves the problem

Degree of novelty and projection for growth

Supporting data

Market potential

Business model

Degree the "Ask" is appropriate

Student-led teams:

First place - $1,500

Non-student teams:

First place - $1,500

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Finalists will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by feedback and Q&A from industry experts.

There will also be an "open mic" session where non-finalists will have an opportunity to give a 30-second elevator pitch.

You can use the example pitch deck and judging criteria found above as a guide for your content. You may also show product prototypes, if appropriate.

There is no requirement as to the stage of the company. An emerging idea is just as valid as a company in revenue.

No. The competition is open to individuals and teams across southern California.

There is no requirement. Individuals and teams are both welcome.

Past Competitions

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2024 Panther Cage Match Winners - Simply Fly & The Lucky Dog Brand

Student Winners: Simply Fly

Community Winners: The Lucky Dog Brand

Sponsored by Amazon, the 2024 Panther Cage Match was a huge success. The premier competition introduced a new format, awarding winners in both student and community categories. College freshmen Lauren Cho and Mandy Shi won the student prize for their virtual travel planner, SimplyFly, while Cornelius Hojatkashani claimed the community prize with LuckyDogBrand. Both received $1,500 to support their ventures.

2022 Panther Cage Match Winner - Safe Title

Best Overall: Safe Title

Fan Favorite: Collegial

Best Emerging: FUN!D & Collegial

The event would not have been possible without the hard work and vision of many people in Leatherby Center and the larger Argyros School community. Among that group are the Argyros School faculty members and judges who served as student mentors leading up to and continuing after the Panther Cage Match.

»Panther Cage Pitch Competition 2026

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How to Enter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much time does each team get to pitch?

What should each team present?

How far along does the idea or business need to be?

Do competitors need to be associated with Chapman?

How many team members should a team have?

Past Competitions

2024

2024 Panther Cage Match Winners - Simply Fly & The Lucky Dog Brand

2022

2022 Panther Cage Match Winner - Safe Title

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