Smoozitive Is a Finalist at Founders Forward Perfect Pitch 2024!

We’re proud to share that Smoozitive was selected as one of the four finalists at the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch competition, hosted by JPMorgan Chase and INCO in Paris on September 19, 2024.

A First for France, and for Smoozitive

Launched by JPMorgan Chase a few years ago, the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch Program offers women-led startups the chance to sharpen their fundraising skills, connect with investors, and compete on a high-profile stage.

2024 marked the first-ever edition of the competition in France. Out of more than 80 applications, 16 inspiring women entrepreneurs were selected for an intensive immersion workshop led by Krateo. Mastering investor decks, the art of pitching on stage, and public speaking under pressure.

The goal? Showcase our startup and compete for a chance to win a €10,000 prize at the live finals.

From Semi-Finals to the Big Stage

In the semi-finals, Gal pitched in front of a dynamic jury of JPMorgan employees deeply committed to advancing women-led businesses. The feedback was sharp, the task challenging, and the growth immediate.

The training was one of the best crash courses we’ve ever undertaken in startup pitching. And then came the moment: we were selected as one of the 4 finalists.

You know that feeling when you think, “Best-case scenario: we pitch again next week to a similar jury”, and then it turns out to be even bigger and better? That’s exactly what happened.

The Finals; and 130 investors in the Room

Finals week started with a rehearsal, fine-tuning our pitch and refining our deck based on the semi-final feedback. On 19 September 2024, Gal was stepping onto the stage in front of 130 JP Morgan global clients at their Hedge Fund Conference in Paris.

In front of an engaged audience of investors, ecosystem leaders, and JP Morgan VPs, Gal delivered Smoozitive’s vision for a human-focused solution in a logistics-driven relocation industry.

If it’s the first time you’re hearing about Smoozitive, here’s what drives us: We help companies, HR leaders, CEOs, and expats themselves reduce the rate of failed international relocations by addressing the human aspects affecting employees and their families.

Because what drives a successful relocation isn’t a logistical move.

It’s a human one.

The Results, and the Feedback That Matters

While the €10K grand prize went to Nousseima Baraket, founder of BUCI, being recognised as a finalist was a milestone for Smoozitive; proving we can deliver emotional and practical transformation for globally mobile professionals.

Some of the jury’s feedback still gives us goosebumps:

“Excellent style of pitch, but her proactive addressing of investor objections was the best part. The most commercially astute of the pitches.”

“Very polished and professional. Interesting idea, especially for expats who work for SMEs.”

Those words reminded us exactly why we’re building this, to create something meaningful, not just for today, but for the long run.

Although we didn’t take home the top prize, the lessons, the network, and the confidence gained are priceless. This wasn’t just about a competition, it was about growth.

Special thanks to the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch team for their guidance and to everyone who helped us along the way, especially our advisor Tania Amar, whose coaching and prep made all the difference.

Why This Boosts Smoozitive

Being a finalist reinforced our positioning as a high-potential startup blending human expertise, tech innovation, and global mobility insight. It strengthens our brand story: relocation isn’t just logistics, it’s human!

It also opens new doors for partnerships, PR opportunities, and collaborations in the HR and expat wellbeing space.

Stay tuned, this is only the beginning.