Part C:    Applying for and booking GFRS

Step 1: Application

• All applications must be submitted in English.

• Applications will be not be accepted after 22 December 2019.

• Applications will be accepted online only. Offline applications will not be considered.

• You can apply here. https://wbaforum.org/Forms/Details/Apply-for-Global-Fundraising-Stage-2020/2

• For startups: Startups need not be incorporated, but an incorporated company can only compete if it has been incorporated for not more than 12 months at the time of application.

• For scaleups: Scale-ups must be incorporated and have received investment from an angel investor, a private equity, or a VC.

• Startups and scaleups are invited to download the Guidelines for Startups and Scaleups on the Global Fundraising Stage 2020 to learn more about the application process:
  Guidelines for Startups and Scaleups on the Global Fundraising Stage: www.wbaf2020.istanbul/GFRS2020

Industries of particular interest to investors:

• Aerospace

• AI

• Agriculture

• Biotechnology

• Blockchain

• Business Products

• Business Services

• Chemicals and Chemical Products

• Clean Technology

• Computers and Peripherals

• Construction

• Defense Industry

• Digital Marketing

• E-commerce

• Education

• Electronics / Instrumentation

• Fashion

• Financial Services

• Fintech

• Gaming

• Healthcare Services

• HR

• Industrial/Energy, Internet / Web Services

• IT Services

• Legal Services

• Logistics

• Manufacturing

• Marketing

• Mobile Technologies

• Nano Technologies

• Payment Systems

• Renewable Energy

• Robotics

• Security

• Software

• Telecommunications 

• Transportation

• Tourism

• VR

• Wearable technologies

• Other

Step 2: Acceptance

You will receive an official Letter of Attendance confirming that you have been accepted for GFRS 2020 and/or the World Congress of Angel Investors (WBAF 2020). The acceptance letter will include information about the next steps.

Startups applying for the GFRS 2020 will be scored by the Global Startup Committee and placed in one of four categories (A, B, C, or D as described in Part A). Each application will receive a letter of acceptance that will indicate their category, which determines in which capacity they can join WBAF 2020.

We are aware that many excellent startups will apply for GFRS. Because of time limitations, however, only 100 of them can be placed in Category A.

Note: In the event you have not received your letter of acceptance by 15 days after your application, please notify us at startup@wbaforum.org

Step 3: Booking

If you receive a letter of acceptance, you are expected to complete your booking at the link below within 10 days of receiving the letter. After you complete your booking, you will receive a message about logistics of your participation (visas, flights, accommodation, stands, etc.)

To guarantee participation, you are expected to complete your booking (see the link below) within 10 days of receiving your letter of acceptance. A letter of acceptance does not guarantee participation.
The booking address: www.wbaf2020.istanbul/ticketing

Your logistics (preview)
Startups joining the WBAF 2020 and GFRS 2020 are responsible for their own flights and hotel accommodation. You should arrive in Istanbul on Sunday, 16 February and leave on 19 February (3 nights). You will receive more information after you complete your booking. The outline presented here is only to give you a general idea of the flow of events.

17 February 2020, Monday

• You are expected to be ready at 7.30am on Monday, 17 February 2020, at the Startup Desk of the WBAF 2020 (Categories A, B, and C) to receive your badge and a copy of the Investor Booklet, which includes information about the startups who will pitch and those who will exhibit.

• When you have received your badge, you will be able to start using your stand (Categories A and B), starting from 7.30am.

• You are invited to join the Investment Readiness Workshop on Monday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at the Neuchatel Hall. It is a free workshop (for Categories A, B, and C) to enhance your pitching skills.

• Stands must close by 6pm.

18 February 2020, Tuesday

• Those who are pitching (Category A) are expected to be ready at the Fuji Hall 15 minutes before their designated pitching time.

• Stands must close by 6pm.

VISA Letters
A letter of invitation for visa purposes will be issued only after applicants have completed their booking.