🔴The Bootstrap Insider (Basic)

It’s December — the cold is setting in, inboxes are slowing down… but if you’re building, this is your quiet advantage.

The year’s almost done, but the window isn’t closed. In this issue: one last global competition that could seed your startup with $20K — and a powerful dose of optimism from Europe’s tech scene to remind you that momentum is very much alive.

Deep breath. Clear focus. Let’s close the year strong.

🛠️ Curated with care by Bartosz & Hannah – the team behind Bootstrap Insider.
We research, vet, and deliver only the most founder-friendly opportunities.

Donations Instead of Gifts

Every year I ask myself the same question:
Should I send my clients a small Christmas gift?

This year I consciously decided not to.

Why?
Last year I realized: public-sector clients often have strict limits on gifts. Many parcels were returned or sat for weeks in mailrooms. On top of that there’s CO₂, packaging, and shipping costs—lots of effort for something that often doesn’t arrive or isn’t really needed.

So: what would be the better gesture?
My decision:
For all of my clients from 2025, I will donate €10 each.
On top of that, I will add 1% of my profit after taxes.

And there’s a very personal reason behind this:
As a self-employed person, I know how closely revenue is tied to your own health. Without health there’s no energy, no clarity, no daily routine, no progress. I’m incredibly grateful for that—for this healthy year 2025.

At the same time I know: this is not something to take for granted. There are people—children too—for whom fate has decided differently. They get sick without having done anything wrong. That’s exactly where I want to help. And I know this support truly reaches those who need it.

Where will the donation go?
To Deutsche Leukämie-Forschungs-Hilfe – Aktion für krebskranke Kinder – Ortsverband Mannheim e.V.
A non-profit charitable organization that supports families whose lives can come to a standstill from one day to the next.

I was there in person to see for myself. In the next few days, I’ll also share some photos.

If you’d like to join in, you’re warmly invited:

Bank: Sparkasse Rhein-Neckar Nord
Account no.: 3800 3801
Bank code (BLZ): 670 505 05
IBAN: DE93 6705 0505 0038 0038 01
BIC (SWIFT): MANSDE66XXX
Reference: Science

If you use the reference “Science,” I will share transparently here at the end of 2025 how much we’ve collected together. ❤️

Thank you!

More information: https://www.krebskranke-kinder.de/unterstuetzen-sie-uns/

🏆 Name of the Competition: D-Prize Global Competition 2025

🎯 Aim:
D-Prize backs entrepreneurs who don’t need to invent something new — they need to distribute what already works. From solar lights to safe birth kits, there are proven tools that could transform lives — if more people had access.
This competition funds founders who are ready to close that gap — by launching a new social venture that delivers impact at scale.

📍 Organizer: D-Prize (Global Distribution Fund, Inc.) – San Francisco, USA
(Remote-first, pilots launched globally — especially in underserved regions.)

🎯 Focus:
The D-Prize challenges you to take on one of the world’s biggest bottlenecks: distribution. Your idea must scale access to a proven solution in sectors like health, agriculture, education, energy, or water.
For example: deliver zinc to treat childhood diarrhea, or bring solar lamps to off-grid villages. The solution exists — you build the system that gets it to the people who need it.

💸 Prize Fund:

✅ Who can apply?

📅 Deadline:

🎤 Live Pitch:
No stage, no spotlight — and that’s the point. D-Prize evaluates written proposals and does interviews remotely. The focus is on real traction, not perfect performance.

📍 Location: Remote. Your pilot happens wherever it’s needed — and where you’ll lead it.

📝 How to apply:
Pick a challenge → download the packet → send a 2-page concept note + your resume. That’s it. Clear, lean, founder-first.

💡 My Comment:
This might be the most underrated global competition for mission-driven founders.
No pitch decks. No ego. Just $20K to build something that saves lives — and a network that sticks with you. If you’re serious about impact and scrappy enough to move fast with little funding, this is your shot.
It’s not about being impressive. It’s about showing up and shipping something that works.

📈The European startup market is ready for the limelight!..

read more 

I wish you much success with your applications!

See you next time! :)

Best,

Hannah & Bartosz

[email protected]

The Bootstrap Insider is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.

Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or non-use of the information provided.