We receive thousands of submissions to speak at 4YFN. Therefore, anything that can differentiate you from the crowd will help with your application:
1. Stay relevant to the theme
We’re programming curated tracks like Gaming, Health Tech, Cybersecurity, Creativity, Climate Tech, and more. Make sure your proposal clearly fits into one of them. If it doesn’t align, it’s less likely to be selected.
2. Tailor your content to our audience
At 4YFN, we put founders and operators at the center. Investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders are part of the game too. Think about what they’ll find useful, provocative, or inspiring. Not just what you want to say.
3. Talk from experience, not theory
We value first-hand, hands-on stories over abstract ideas. Share what you’ve lived, built, or learned the hard way. Avoid speculative thinking or content that feels detached from real practice.
4. Avoid the sales pitch trap
Don’t use the stage to promote your company, product, or fund. You don’t need to talk about your book either. Adding value to the audience is the best branding exercise you can do.
5. Know your key takeaway
What will attendees walk away with? A mindset shift? A practical lesson? A warning? Make the takeaway clear in your proposal.
6. Play with the format. Just keep it clear
Whether it’s a solo talk, panel, fireside chat, or live demo, what matters is clarity. Be bold, interactive, but make sure your structure serves the content and the audience.
We value these elements in proposals
- Diversity – in gender, geography, background, and company stage
- Interactive formats – live demos, audience participation, open Q&A
- Founder voices at the center – especially those with real, unfiltered experience
- Raising awareness – of underrepresented issues, industries, or users
- Unique angles – that challenge conventional narratives in your field