Apply Now: Pepperdine’s 2026 Startup Competition

Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies 2026 Applications Open

Pepperdine University’s 2026 Most Fundable Companies startup competition is now open for Round 1 applications!

US-based startups, all industries, pre-revenue/pre-seed through Series A are eligible. Affiliation with Pepperdine is not required.

The first round is a short Pre-Screen survey. Last year, over 2,300 startups participated, representing all 50 states.

Winners are featured in Entrepreneur magazine and at an award showcase on Pepperdine's campus in Malibu, CA on September 23.

Since 2018, list winners have raised over $600 million.

The competition is free thanks to the support of sponsors such as the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship, JPMorgan, and Withum.

Additional key dates, more information, and a link to enter can be found at bschool.pepperdine.edu/mfc.

The first round application deadline is 11:59pm pacific May 15.

Click here for the Pre-Screen Survey.