Investing in Developers — Zoom Marketplace Competition 2020
By: Aleks Swerdlow
Tags: Developer, Zoom, Innovation, VC, Competition

The Zoom Marketplace Competition — announced in October at Zoomtopia 2019, is a pitch competition to develop on the Zoom platform for a chance to earn $2 million in funding. The competition provides developers the opportunity to grow their reach and users, while also adding value-producing, high-quality apps that will delight Zoom customers.

The competition is open to for-profit organizations that have raised less than $10M. Finalists will be chosen to pitch their ideas to partners at Emergence, Horizons Ventures, Maven Ventures, and Sequoia.

The final selected winner would be eligible to potentially receive up to $2 million in funding in addition to advisory sessions with senior Zoom product experts, priority development support from the Zoom platform team, a DTEN D7 55” all-in-one interactive whiteboard with a 3-year Zoom Rooms license, and 10 Zoom Pro licenses for 3 years.

What makes a great submission?

An easy-to-understand pitch that shows that you have thought about how to use the Zoom platform to scale your business.

pitch that shows that you have thought about how to use the Zoom platform to scale your business. A clear to follow problem you are solving for. Identify the pain points that exist today. Describe when and where you have observed the problem, and under which circumstances. Explain the cost of the problem (financial, time, quality, environmental, personal, etc.).

problem you are solving for. Identify the pain points that exist today. Describe when and where you have observed the problem, and under which circumstances. Explain the cost of the problem (financial, time, quality, environmental, personal, etc.). Show that you understand who you are solving for . Tell us about your customers. Where, and for whom, will your solution bring value? How many of that kind of customer is out in the world? Where in the world are they?

. Tell us about your customers. Where, and for whom, will your solution bring value? How many of that kind of customer is out in the world? Where in the world are they? Show us the proof that somebody wants your product. What kind of traction does your solution have? Has a similar solution been tried before successfully?

that somebody wants your product. What kind of traction does your solution have? Has a similar solution been tried before successfully? Investors invest because they see the potential to make money WITH you and your solution. Tell us how this solution will make money . Tell us about the business model, define your revenue stream. Not sure about your business model, use a business model canvas to help narrow in on what could work.

. Tell us about the business model, define your revenue stream. Not sure about your business model, use a business model canvas to help narrow in on what could work. Tell us about your competitors. This shows us that you know the market for which you are solving for . Who is a direct, or indirect competitor and why?

. Who is a direct, or indirect competitor and why? Tell us about who is going to build this solution with you. Who is your dream team, what is their expertise, why are they the best people for this job?

Submit your ideas by March 31st, 2020 for your chance to receive funding and win prizes. Get help with your pitch by emailing us code@zoom.us.

The Zoom App Marketplace has opened up endless opportunities to connect new apps and services together improving how teams meet and communicate. Zoom is continuously investing in building and partnering with the best app developers. Together, let’s bring happiness to our mutual customers!