Where Asia Meets the U.S.: Startup World Cup and East Meets West Unite in Hawaii

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 27, 2026--

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This landmark event will bring together hundreds of venture capitalists, corporate leaders, and innovative startups from around the world, convening global investors, founders, and thought leaders from both sides of the Pacific for two days of insight, connection, and opportunity.

Startup World Cup Hawaii Regional pitch competition serves as a powerful bridge where Asia meets the U.S., and founders connect directly with investors shaping the future of innovation.

Adding to the excitement, Tim Draper, renowned venture capitalist and founding partner of Draper Associates, will speak at the event, while Meet the Drapers films live at East Meets West 2026. The hit global startup television series—where founders pitch to the legendary Draper family and reach millions of viewers worldwide—will shine an international spotlight on Hawaii’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem as part of the Startup World Cup experience.

Registration & Applications:

The Hawaii Regional winner will earn a coveted spot at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, competing for a $1,000,000 investment prize. Startups from all industries and regions across the globe are encouraged to apply.

Attendees will gain a unique opportunity to discover emerging technologies, connect with leading investors, and engage with the global startup ecosystem—all under one roof.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation leaders are invited to attend and take part in a global competition shaping the future of innovation.

Event Details:

About Pegasus Tech Ventures

Pegasus Tech Ventures is a global venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley with $2 billion in assets under management. Pegasus offers intellectual and financial capital to emerging technology companies around the world. In addition to offering institutional investors a top-tier venture capital investment approach, Pegasus also offers a unique Venture Capital-as-a-Service (VCaaS) model for large, global corporations that wish to partner with cutting-edge technology startups.

For more information about Pegasus Tech Ventures, please visit https://www.pegasustechventures.com.

About Startup World Cup

Startup World Cup is the #1 startup pitch competition in the world, hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures. With 100+ regional pitch competitions across 6 continents, Startup World Cup provides a global platform for startups to showcase their innovations and secure funding. Startups can apply to pitch at our upcoming regional events and have a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to Silicon Valley.

The winner of each regional pitch competition will earn an invitation to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale series of events in San Francisco, California. At the Grand Finale, the Regional Startup Winners will compete for a $1 MILLION investment prize and gain access to an unparalleled network of global investors, mentors, and industry partners.

For more information on the Startup World Cup, please visit https://www.startupworldcup.io.

Startup World Cup, the world’s #1 startup pitch competition, is heading to Hawaii. Co-hosted with Blue Startups, East Meets West featuring Startup World Cup Hawaii will take place on April 9, 2026, at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Jeff McNeil legged out an infield single to drive in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Athletics beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 on Monday night after blowing a four-run lead.

Henry Bolte homered and scored three times from the leadoff spot for the A's, who have won five of six following a five-game losing streak. The rookie drew three walks and stole three bases.

Andrés Giménez hit a tying solo homer in the ninth for the Blue Jays (72-73), who remained a game behind Cleveland for the last American League wild card. Alejandro Kirk also went deep but Toronto ace Dylan Cease gave up five runs — four earned — in five innings.

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Andrés Giménez can't make the throw in time as the Athletics walk off the Toronto Blue Jays ina baseball game Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics' Henry Bolte jogs around the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics' Jeff McNeil (22) celebrates with his teammates after hitting a walk off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics' Jeff McNeil, middle, is mobbed by his teammates after hitting a walk off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Athletics' Jeff McNeil hits a walk off RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)