Pitch for Freedom 2026

Building tech
that disrupts
and decimates trafficking

A $100,000 award for early-stage startups using technology to counter human trafficking and child exploitation.

Applications open

January 12, 2026

Deadline

February 12, 2026

Winner announced

March 11, 2026
Austin during SXSW
at the Eagle Freedom Fund Dinner

Apply Now

Takes ~10–15 minutes

What is Freedom Pitch?

Freedom Pitch is a startup competition built to identify and accelerate scalable technology that combats human trafficking and child exploitation. We’re looking for founders building real solutions that can protect children, disrupt trafficking networks, and strengthen detection, prevention, and survivor flourishing.

The Award

Winner receives
$100,000 investment
from Eagle Freedom Fund II

Finalists also receive:

Elevated visibility to ecosystem leaders and mission-aligned capital.

Opportunities to build strategic partnerships across anti-trafficking operators and platforms

A stage to showcase your solution in front of industry decision-makers

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A ventures leveraging technology to counter human trafficking and child exploitation.

Priority
Solution Areas

We welcome startups across the counter-trafficking ecosystem, including (but not limited to):

Child Safety & Child Safe Tech

Labor Trafficking Detection & Prevention

Survivor Services & Survivor Flourishing

Supply Chain Transparency

AI / Signal Detection & Investigation Tools

FinCrime / Fintech / Illicit Finance Disruption

Hospitality & Lodging

Transportation & Logistics

Aviation & Travel

Law Enforcement & Investigations

Foster Care / Child Welfare Systems

Online Exploitation & Platform Safety

Timeline

Applications Open

Jan 6, 2026

Application Deadline

Feb 12, 2026

(11:59pm CT)

Finalists Selected

Top 3 finalists

will be invited to the Clapham Dinner in Austin during SXSW.

Winner Announced

March 11, 2026

at the Eagle Freedom Fund Dinner

How Selection
Works

A panel of 20+ industry judges will evaluate applications based on:

Strength of solution + clarity of the problem being solved

Evidence of traction and feasibility (stage-appropriate)

Scalability and ability to materially disrupt trafficking

Team strength and execution capability

Responsible use of data, privacy, and safety considerations

What You’ll Need
to Apply

Company overview + founding team

What problem you solve and for whom

How your solution works (and what makes it different)

Stage + traction (customers, pilots, partnerships, revenue - if applicable)

Go-to-market approach

Impact pathway (how this reduces exploitation / increases safety)

Pitch deck link (preferred) and/or demo link (optional)

FAQs

Is this only for US-based startups?

No. Global companies are welcome.

Do we need to be a profit?

Yes. The focus is venture-scale solutions from startups.

Can we apply if we’re pre-revenue?

Yes. Pre-seed is eligible. Show evidence of validation: pilots, LOIs, user testing, or clear product progress.

Market Analysis Report

Building tech
that disrupts
and decimates trafficking