How It Works
🏆 Win a $50,000 Investment for Your Startup
The Expop x Honors Fund Grand Prize
You built something real. Now it's time to get funded.
At the end of the Expop Fall 2026 Challenge, one winning team will receive a $50,000 investment from The Honors Fund — a venture fund that backs the next generation of founders. That means you.
Wait — an investment, what does that mean?
This isn't a one-time cash prize. It's money that goes directly into your startup to help it grow. The Honors Fund believes in your company enough to become part of it. That's a big deal — most founders spend years trying to get their first investor.
This is a real investment opportunity. Treat it that way.
Receiving this investment means you're committing to building your company for real - not as a school project, but as a business you intend to grow.
Who is eligible?
The $50,000 prize is open to Expop Fall 2026 startups building in the B2B SaaS space — meaning software products sold to other businesses (not consumers). If your startup helps companies solve a problem through software, you're in the right place.
This competition is open to students enrolled in U.S. & Canadian high schools.
How does the investment work? (The SAFE, explained simply)
The investment is structured as a SAFE — a Simple Agreement for Future Equity.
Think of it like this: The Honors Fund gives your startup $50,000 today, and in return, they get the right to own a small piece of your company later, when you raise your next round of funding.
Why a SAFE?
It's the standard way early-stage startups get funded in Silicon Valley
It doesn't require you to give up equity right now
It's founder-friendly and widely used by top investors
📖 Want to learn more?
Y Combinator's Guide to SAFEs — the people who invented it
You'll need a company
Because this is a legal investment (not a gift), the SAFE has to be made out to a registered company - not to you personally.
Don't have one yet? That's totally okay. If you win, the Expop team can walk you through setting up a C-Corp so you're ready to receive the investment. We work with several trusted partners to make the process simple and transparent. Reach out to us and we'll guide you through it - it's simpler than it sounds.
What happens after you win?
Winning is just the beginning — and we'll be right there with you.
To make sure you're set up for success, you'll check in with the Expop team once a month over a quick Zoom call for the first 12 months after your investment. We'll track your progress together, celebrate your wins, and help you work through any challenges that come up. Think of us as your ongoing support system as you go from competition winner to real founder.
You won't be figuring this out alone.
A note for you and your parents
If you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian will need to be involved in this process. Any legal agreements connected to the investment will require their awareness and consent. You will also need their support in setting up a company.
We know that might feel like a lot — but we're here to help make it as smooth as possible. The Expop team will support you and your family every step of the way.
Other Important Terms & Conditions
The investment is subject to due diligence. Before any funds are transferred, The Honors Fund will conduct their own review of your startup — looking at things like your business model, team, and progress. This is standard practice for any serious investor, and it's a good thing: it means they're taking you seriously.
The final investment decision — including the amount — is made at The Honors Fund's sole discretion. While the prize is up to $50,000, they may choose to invest a different amount based on their evaluation and what makes the most sense for your startup's stage. Any final terms will be negotiated directly between you and The Honors Fund.
Ready to compete?
This is your shot. Build something great, make it to the finals, and you could walk away with your first real investor.
Questions about the prize? Email us at hello@expop.io
By participating in the Expop Fall 2026 Challenge and accepting any associated prize, participants agree to the Expop Challenge Terms & Conditions. We encourage all participants and their parents to read these carefully.