Lions Den Highlights
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Formerly recognised as APNI Lion's Den, This event is rebranding into a Business bazaar and Pitch completion. While still staying true to its core purpose, of being a pitch competition for startups, in collaboration with our partners we are expanding to bring you more this year. With the goal of promoting black businesses and providing the support and guidance needed to scale these businesses.
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The Lion’s Den competition is a platform to inspire, encourage and support founders/entrepreneurs along their journey. The inaugural edition took place in 2017 and the second annual edition in 2018.
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APNI decided to take a break from this initiative in 2019 and intended to hold another edition in 2020, however, this was not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lion’s Den business competition relaunched in 2022 and 2023 in partnership with Dublin City Council. And again in 2024 with bigger cash prices and offerings for the competing companies.
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In 2025 the pitch competition is taking a different spin to things and we hope to drive an even greater impact.
APNI Lion's Den Numbers
39
Business Signed up
3
Finalist
1
Winner
€7,000
Total prizes won
Terms and Conditions For Business Bazaar
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Terms and Condition for all Exhibitors:
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APNI does not endorse or guarantee any exhibitor’s products or services and is not liable for any issues related to them.
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Exhibitors are solely responsible for their products, transactions, and customer interactions during the event.
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Any disputes or complaints regarding products or services must be resolved directly between the exhibitor and the concerned party.
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Business Bazaar & Pitch Competition 2025
Formerly recognised as APNI Lion's Den, This event is rebranding into a Business Bazaar and Pitch competion. While still staying true to its core purpose, of being a pitch competition for startups, in collaboration with our partners we are expanding to bring you more this year. With the goal of promoting black businesses and providing the support and guidance needed to scale these businesses.
How It Works
1
Applications Submission
Any business or start up based in Ireland with at least one founder of African descent or Afro-Irish submit their business idea and pitch deck to participate in the Lion's Den competition.
2
Public Voting System
The public votes for businesses from the application pool to select top 10 based votes received
3
Top 10 Selection
The top 10 businesses emerge from the public voting phase.
4
Panel Evaluation
An independent committee of VCs, industry experts review and assess the business idea and pitch deck and choose the top 6 with the best idea, solution, business model and potential to scale.
5
Final Pitch To Panel
The final 6 contenders pitch their business in front of a live audience and a panel of judges for evaluation and selection of the ultimate winner. APNI & Partners award the top 3 businesses with cash prizes, access to mentorship, accelerators and VC network.
Business Bazaar (Exhibition)
Expect a dynamic exhibition with a variety of businesses showcasing their products and services on the day
Pitch Competition (Lion’s Den)
Entrepreneurs will showcase their ideas and compete for funding and mentorship.
Networking & Insights
Networking between businesses, professionals, and potential employers/customers. Insights on entrepreneurship, career growth, innovation, funding opportunities and industry trends.
