"Meet the Drapers Partners with TikTok for Exclusive VC Pitch Show"

Tim Draper’s international pitch competition, "Meet the Drapers," is joining forces with the short-form video app TikTok for its seventh season. This partnership marks a significant move for both parties as they look to expand their reach and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

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The Partnership Details

Under this tie-up, entrepreneurs will have the chance to pitch their startups on the show’s upcoming episode through TikTok videos. The public will then be able to vote on their favorite submissions through a landing page in the app, followed by a livestreamed pitch review on TikTok. This process will culminate in the selection of four finalists who will compete for a $1 million investment from Tim Draper.

Benefits for Both Parties

For TikTok, this partnership offers an opportunity to position itself as a champion for small businesses at a time when its platform is facing increasing scrutiny due to an unpopular U.S. ban. Additionally, the deal allows TikTok to promote its educational offerings and expand its reach into new markets.

On the other hand, "Meet the Drapers" will benefit from the increased visibility provided by the popular video app. As an investor, Tim Draper has a proven track record of backing companies that have the potential to disrupt industries in the future. By partnering with TikTok, he can tap into the platform’s vast user base and showcase innovative startups to a global audience.

What Sets Meet the Drapers Apart

While shows like "Shark Tank" have brought the idea of the pitch-off competition to the mainstream public, "Meet the Drapers" explores tech entrepreneurship more directly. As Tim Draper explains:

"We’re not looking for somebody who invented a gum scraper or…a new bikini company. That isn’t really what we’re after. We’re funding something that 10 years from now is going to rock the world."

The show has been streamed across various platforms, including its own website and YouTube, where it averages half a million views per episode. The program caters to a global audience, with shows filmed in areas like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE (Dubai), Denmark, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley.

Global Reach and Entrepreneurship

Draper believes that an entrepreneur can start from anywhere, which is why he appreciates the show’s global footprint. As he notes:

"We actually think of this show as proselytizing and spreading the gospel of entrepreneurship to a broader audience."

This philosophy aligns with TikTok’s mission to provide a platform for creators and businesses to connect with their target audience.

The Competition

The competition on "Meet the Drapers" is fierce, with only four finalists selected to compete for the $1 million investment. The show has a proven track record of backing companies that go on to achieve significant success in their respective industries.

By partnering with TikTok, Tim Draper can tap into the platform’s vast user base and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas.

Conclusion

The partnership between "Meet the Drapers" and TikTok marks a significant move for both parties as they look to expand their reach and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs. With its global audience, innovative format, and commitment to entrepreneurship, "Meet the Drapers" is poised to become one of the leading pitch competitions in the industry.