June 15, 2023 marked an important milestone in the history of the Astra Global Startup Pitching Competitions. This international event not only determined the winners of the year but also solidified the competition’s reputation as one of the most prestigious global platforms for startups and investors.
The organizers underline: “2023 became a turning point. We attracted a record number of applications, broadened the geography of participants, and expanded the jury panel with new international experts. This shows that the prestige of Astra Global continues to grow year after year.”
The competition’s authority rests largely on the composition of its jury. Astra Global has built a reputation for bringing together the best of the best — leading venture investors, serial entrepreneurs, and technological innovators.
In 2023, the jury included:
- Аdriаn Mеndоzа, General Partner, Mеndоzа Ventures;
- Xаviеr Sеgurа, Managing Partner, Tessera Venture Partners;
- Yevhenii Shcherbina, Software Engineer.
- Еlisаbеth vоn Lichеm, Investor, Acton Capital;
- Kаtyа Kоhеn, General Partner, 13 Ventures;
- Gilаd Еngеl, General Partner, Target Global;
- Stanislav Dykhanov, Serial Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CEO of Adart Agency;
- Christоphеr Fishеr, Partner, Click Ventures.
According to the organizers, jurors are selected through strict criteria: international recognition, impeccable reputation, hands-on experience with innovation, and independence. “We cannot allow compromises. The jury is the face of the competition and its greatest asset.”
How the Jury Works
The evaluation process at Astra Global is far from symbolic. Each project is examined against eight criteria: innovation, scalability, business model, leadership, technological excellence, sustainability, strategic vision, and regulatory readiness.
As Аdriаn Mеndоzа notes: “It’s not just about listening to presentations. We focus on how startups align their vision with real market needs. It’s essential to see not only the idea but also its capacity to scale and survive competition.”
Еlisаbеth vоn Lichеm adds: “Investors today are increasingly attentive to sustainability. We want to know whether these projects can contribute to ESG goals. Astra Global is playing a role in shaping this culture of responsibility.”
Judging is not easy when the field is so strong. Stanislav Dykhanov reflects:
“Every year, the competition attracts an impressive pool of startups. The level is high, the competition is intense, and that makes our work all the more demanding. Our responsibility is to highlight those who can truly change industries.”
Xаviеr Sеgurа agrees: “By the time startups reach the finals at Astra Global, they have already gone through a rigorous selection process. Our job is to see who is not only ready for success today but also positioned for long-term leadership tomorrow.”
The importance of the jury’s work extends beyond the competition itself. Recognition at Astra Global is not merely a trophy — it is a signal to the market. Startups endorsed by such a panel immediately gain credibility with investors and partners worldwide.
As Christоphеr Fishеr emphasizes: “For many startups, Astra Global is a launchpad. They don’t just present their ideas — they gain access to a global community where new trends are being set.”
By combining prestige, expert evaluation, and strategic guidance, Astra Global reinforces its role as a catalyst for the innovation economy.
The 2023 Winners
By the end of the jury’s work in 2023, three startups were recognized as the very best:
- Sаzmining Inc. — for pioneering sustainable solutions in crypto mining;
- Аrf — for transforming the landscape of cross-border financial transactions;
- АLLINDЕX — for democratizing access to customized investment products.
Their recognition is not just a victory in a competition but a validation of their global potential and a signal that these companies are poised to set new benchmarks in their industries.
The Astra Global Startup Pitching Competitions demonstrates how a competition’s prestige can be built on trust in its jury. The 2023 edition confirmed that this is not just an event, but a platform where decisions by world-class experts shape the direction of the startup ecosystem itself.
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