Meet the Drapers Partners with TikTok for Season 8

Tim Draper's international pitch competition, "Meet the Drapers," has joined forces with TikTok for its upcoming eighth season. The partnership will see entrepreneurs pitch their startups to the public through TikTok, using the short-form video app to showcase their businesses.

• This unique approach will involve entrepreneurs submitting their pitches in the form of TikTok videos.
• The public will vote on their favorites through a landing page in the app.
• The show will then feature a live-streamed pitch review on TikTok, where four finalists will be selected.
• These finalists will compete on an episode of "Meet the Drapers" in front of judges for the chance to win a $1 million investment from Tim Draper.

Why TikTok?

This collaboration provides several benefits for both "Meet the Drapers" and TikTok. For "Meet the Drapers," the partnership offers increased visibility through TikTok's vast user base.

• The popular video app will help reach a broader audience and promote the show’s focus on tech entrepreneurship.
• The show will be exposed to a younger generation of potential entrepreneurs and investors.
• This move will be an advantage, as "Meet the Drapers" has previously been streamed on its website and YouTube, attracting an average of half a million views.

TikTok's Benefits: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support

This partnership also positions TikTok as a champion for small businesses, a crucial move at a time when the platform faces potential U.S. bans.

• The collaboration showcases TikTok’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and providing a platform for budding businesses.
• This partnership also aligns with TikTok's efforts to promote its educational offerings and resources for entrepreneurs.
• It allows TikTok to engage with a broader audience, potentially attracting new users and strengthening its brand image.

A Focus on Consumer Technology

The "Meet the Drapers" episodes developed in partnership with TikTok are expected to feature entrepreneurs in the consumer technology sector.

• This strategic choice is driven by the platform's user base and content focus.
• The collaboration aims to attract innovative consumer tech startups, aligning with the show’s goal of investing in businesses with the potential to revolutionize the world.
• Tim Draper has a history of investing in tech companies, with notable ventures including Baidu, Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, and more.

Application Process and Timeline

Small businesses interested in participating in the TikTok edition of "Meet the Drapers" need to submit their entrepreneurial journey in a 30- to 60-second TikTok video.

• Applications are accepted until September 30.
• Live-streamed pitch reviews will take place from October 1-3.
• Winners will be announced on October 4.

Beyond the $1 Million Prize

While the grand prize for the "Meet the Drapers" TikTok edition is a $1 million investment from Tim Draper, the show typically allocates additional funds for other participants.

• Past seasons have seen runner-up investments of $500,000 and third-place investments of $250,000.
• Tim Draper has noted that the show typically allocates $2 to $3 million annually for investments, including those beyond the top three finalists.
• The show offers a valuable opportunity for startups to receive funding, mentorship, and exposure, even if they don't win the grand prize.

"Meet the Drapers" on TikTok: A New Frontier in Entrepreneurship

The partnership between "Meet the Drapers" and TikTok marks a significant move in the world of entrepreneurship.

• The integration of TikTok's platform with the established pitch competition opens up new avenues for startups to gain visibility, funding, and support.
• This collaboration offers a unique and accessible way for entrepreneurs to share their ideas with a global audience.
• The show's commitment to global entrepreneurship, evident in its filming locations, is further amplified by the reach of TikTok.
• This collaboration will likely inspire future entrepreneurial ventures and offer valuable insights into the world of tech investing.