4growth VC Partners with Ways Startup Awards
Supporting innovative startup projects and fostering the growth of the technology ecosystem in Poland are core pillars of 4growth VC’s mission. That is why we have engaged in this year’s edition of the Ways Startup Awards, taking place during the WaysConf 2026 conference in Kraków.
Ways Startup Awards is a live pitch competition designed for early-stage, registered digital and tech startups (with a special focus on projects based in or connected to the Małopolska region).
The finals will take place on September 16, 2026, in Kraków. Finalists will pitch live on stage in front of a professional jury, investors, and an international community of over 1,600 design experts, tech leaders, and innovators.
For participants, this represents far more than a chance to win awards—it provides high-impact market visibility, valuable networking, and direct feedback from seasoned VC practitioners and angel investors.
Prize Pool: 100,000 PLN and Tangible Scaling Support
Supported by the Małopolska Region, the competition offers prize packages worth a total of 100,000 PLN, tailored to meet the essential needs of early-stage teams (strategic, product, legal, promotional, and mentoring support). As part of the Małopolska Future Awards initiative, three main distinctions will be awarded:
- The Grand Prix (Best Showcase Startup): includes an invitation to Sebastian Kulczyk’s InCredibles community, a strategic assessment from Louder & Higher, legal support services, and promotional coverage across official conference channels.
- Product Potential Award (Highest Product Potential): a dedicated MVP workshop led by Personit, along with a strategic assessment from Louder & Higher.
- Market Access Award (Market Readiness): exhibition booth space at WaysConf 2027 and Infoshare Conference 2027 (including two conference passes), plus a strategic assessment from Louder & Higher.
What Will the Jury Evaluate?
As a VC fund, we place particular emphasis on strong business fundamentals and growth potential. Pitches will be evaluated based on:
- Product innovation and product-market fit,
- Existing traction and the technical quality of the solution,
- The team’s readiness, competence, and capacity for dynamic scaling.
Let’s Meet at WaysConf 2026!
WaysConf 2026 is one of the most exciting events dedicated to design, tech products, and digital innovation in Central and Eastern Europe. We look forward to being in Kraków to support high-potential startups, share insights, and connect with ambitious founders.
- Application Deadline: August 20, 2026 (23:59 CEST)
- Finals: September 16, 2026 | Kraków, Poland
- Application Form: Apply to Ways Startup Awards
- Event Details: waysconf.com/ways-startup-awards
