Global Tech Weekend to stage startup pitches inside Tbilisi Ferris wheel

Global Tech Weekend will launch its 2027 season on December 5, 2026, in Tbilisi with a new pitch format that gives startups six minutes inside the Mtatsminda Ferris wheel to meet international investors. The event is designed to connect early-stage founders with venture capital, angel, and corporate investors, while the wider launch will unveil GTW's 2027 calendar and expansion plans.

Why it matters: - Global Tech Weekend is testing an unusual startup-funding format designed to compress investor meetings into one six-minute Ferris wheel rotation. - The event targets early-stage startups and international investors looking for direct access to emerging-market deals. - The launch could broaden Global Tech Weekend's reach as it rolls out its 2027 season and new partnerships.

What happened: - Global Tech Weekend announced its official 2027 launch event for Dec. 5, 2026, at Mtatsminda Hall in Tbilisi, Georgia. - The Mtatsminda Ferris Wheel will be dedicated entirely to venture capital and early-stage startup pitching for the first time. - Startups will pitch in six-minute sessions inside the Ferris wheel cabins with international investors. - The broader GTW 2027 Official Launch Event at Mtatsminda Hall requires prior registration. - Applications are open worldwide for startups and investors.

The details: - Each pitch will take place in a private cabin with no stage and no audience, only the founder and the investors. - GTW will cover each pitch on its official channels, extending the audience beyond the Ferris wheel. - The winning startup will be announced and celebrated at an awards ceremony later that evening. - The format is aimed at venture capital funds, angel investors and corporate investors seeking early-stage opportunities. - After the Ferris wheel session, Mtatsminda Hall will host the official presentation of Global Tech Weekend 2027. - Organizers plan to reveal the full 2027 calendar, outline the movement's vision and announce international expansion plans and new strategic partnerships.

Between the lines: - CEO Medea Janjghava framed the event as a way to help startups meet the right investors, secure funding and expand internationally. - Head of Marketing Mariam Chikadze said Global Tech Weekend is building an international network focused on connection, knowledge exchange and access to new markets. - The pitch format turns the meeting itself into the attraction, which may help GTW stand out in a crowded conference market. - Global Tech Weekend has previously brought together tech leaders from Google, Meta, Amazon and StartX, signaling an effort to bridge multiple startup ecosystems.

What's next: - GTW will open the 2027 launch event on Dec. 5 with the Ferris wheel pitch sessions. - The organization will then present its 2027 roadmap, expansion plans and partnership announcements at Mtatsminda Hall. - Startups and investors can apply or register ahead of the event through the organization's website: More information. - GTW is also promoting the event across its social channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Threads.

The bottom line: - Global Tech Weekend is betting that a high-concept pitch setting can create more direct investor-founder meetings and draw global attention to its 2027 expansion.