Most Fundable Companies®

• Complete the Pre-Screen and Round 2 Quarter-Finals Survey.
• Approximately 100 companies will advance to the Round 3 Semi-Finals and complete a Semi-Finals Survey. All companies that complete the Semi-Finals round will be recognized on our website and in our showcase event materials.
• Top companies (approximately 30) will proceed to the Round 4 Finals.
• Approximately 15-20 winners are selected for the Most Fundable Companies list, which provides national recognition and a feature at our annual gala showcase event in Malibu, CA.
• There is no cost to participate. In addition to our annual list and gala showcase event, our program exists to educate and enlighten founders on what constitutes a fundable company, as well as support relevant distinctive research in identifying characteristics of successful startups.
• See the Key Dates tab for this year’s schedule.

1. Can any company participate?

The Most Fundable Companies program is not limited to Pepperdine affiliated startups. All startups characterized by the following are invited to participate:

• US-based privately held businesses. Companies must be headquartered, with a majority of business operations, in the United States to be eligible.

• Original founder(s) is actively involved and is on the executive team

• Pre-revenue through prior 12-month revenue up to $10M

Companies we cannot support at this time include:

• Companies based outside of the United States

• Franchise businesses (either franchisors or franchisees)

• Nonprofits

• Any business engaged in products or services not consistent with the goals or mission of Pepperdine University

Startups are about community. Share the program with your network.

2. Is there a cost?

No. Pepperdine is pleased to offer the surveys and feedback report at no cost to you. Your time to complete the surveys will be rewarded with private actionable feedback specific to your company for your use, plus consideration to be featured on the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies list and its related benefits.

3. How does the competition work?

Companies across all industries are evaluated using Pepperdine's proprietary methodology, which focuses on investor due diligence, and has been utilized to review thousands of startups. The Round 1 Pre-Screen only takes about eight minutes to complete. Every company that submits a Round 2 Quarter-Finals Survey receives a Quarter-Finals Report that contains objective and customized feedback to improve readiness for funding. Companies are invited to proceed to later rounds in order to be selected for the annual list. See the Key Dates tab for this year’s schedule.

4. Who will be named on the Most Fundable Companies List?

List winners will be selected from the set of companies who complete the Round 4 Finals. Each year approximately 15-20 startups are featured on the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies list. Winners are announced publicly for the first time at our annual gala showcase event held on our campus in Malibu, CA.

5. If I don't make this year's list, can I resubmit next year?

Yes! Many companies compete multiple years. A goal of the Most Fundable Companies program is to provide you with constructive information to generate favorable results for your business and a better position next time. Plus, a lot can happen during a year in the life of a startup, therefore you will need to resubmit your company each year.

6. Are survey responses kept private?

The information you provide will be used to evaluate your eligibility for various programs and opportunities. Pepperdine University may disclose some or all of the contact information you provide to third parties, such as sponsors or strategic partners. Please carefully review the Terms and Conditions before you begin the Quarter-Finals Survey.

7. What if I am not looking for funding?

Insights from the Quarter-Finals Report are valuable to any company. They offer a critical view of your business that you can utilize to help your company grow and thrive. For any company that is invited to proceed to the Round 3 Semi-Finals, consider the alignment of your future fundraising plans with timing of the gala showcase event and list winners announcement as well as the subsequent national exposure provided by making the list.

8. Can I nominate a company?

Yes! Share with your network or portfolio of companies. We understand that advertising and PR are expensive and startup resources are limited. The value of potential brand exposure outweighs the time it takes to participate. Plus, every company that submits a Round 2 Quarter-Finals Survey receives a Quarter-Finals Report that contains objective and customized feedback to improve readiness for funding.

9. What if I still have questions?

Please contact us at mostfundablecos@pepperdine.edu.