Most Fundable Companies®

• Complete the Pre-Screen and Qualifier Survey 
• Semi-finalists (approximately 100 companies) will be invited to complete the more intensive Fundability Assessment survey.
• Top performers collaborate in the final stage to complete your company story.
• Top finalists are selected for the Most Fundable Companies list, which provides national recognition and a feature at our annual showcase event in Malibu, CA.
• There is no cost to participate.  In addition to our annual list and 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.

1. Can any company participate?

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

• US-based privately held businesses

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

• Prior 12-month revenue up to $10M

 Companies we cannot support at this time include:

• 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 in 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.

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

Semi-finalists invited to complete our Fundability Assessment and final stage introductions and verification will be considered for the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies List.

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

Yes! 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 begin the process from the beginning.

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 Qualifier Survey.

7. What if I am not looking for funding?

Insights from the Qualifier 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 currently pre-series A, consider the alignment of your future fundraising plans with timing of the list winners announcement and the subsequent national exposure provided by making the list.

8. Can I nominate a company?

Yes! Share the survey within 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 Qualifier Survey receives a Qualifier Report that contains objective and customized feedback to improve their readiness for funding.

9. What if I still have questions?

Please contact us at mostfundablecos@pepperdine.edu.