CapEc’s Fund Tank Online Pitch Competition Rules and Regulations

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Definitions

2. Eligibility Requirements

3. Competition Timeline and Structure

4. Entry Rules and Process

5. Winner Selection and Prizes

6. Intellectual Property Rights

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

8. Code of Conduct

9. General Terms and Conditions

10. Dispute Resolution and Legal Terms

11. Force Majeure

12. Winner's List and Contact Information

1. Introduction and Definitions

1.1 The 2025 Fund Tank Online Pitch Competition (the "Pitch") is hosted by Cas Inc. (the "Sponsor") and is open to businesses based in the U.S. (the “Participants”).

1.2 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. 

1.3 These Rules establish a legally binding agreement between Participants and Sponsor.

2. Eligibility

   2.1 The 2025 Fund Tank Online Pitch Competition (the "Pitch") is hosted by CapEc Inc. and is open to businesses based in the U.S., subject to state and federal laws. 

Participants must:

• Be residents of states where contests of this nature are legal○

• Be of the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence. ○

• Have an active email account and internet access. 

Brands must meet the following requirements: 

1.Business Stage: Active e-commerce businesses selling on platforms such as Amazon or Shopify.

2.Minimum Revenue: At least $200,000 in annual revenue.

3.Operating History: A minimum of 1 year of consistent operations.

4.Product Type:

Non-perishable goods are preferred. Products must have at least 6 months of sales history. 

5.Growth-Oriented Vision: Brands must demonstrate a clear plan for scaling operations with the support of inventory funding. 

Employees, directors, judges, and their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, spouse) or household members are not eligible. By entering, participants agree to these Official Rules. Decisions made by CapEc are final and binding in all respects.

This competition is void where prohibited by law. The Pitch and competition is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Any entry method not specifically described in these official rules as a valid means of entry will be void.

Acceptance of Rules. participants represent and warrant those participants have the right, authority, and capacity to accept these Rules and Regulations (The “Rules”) and to abide by them, that Participants are of legal age and that participants have fully read and understood the Pitch Rules. Participants must read these Rules carefully in their entirety before applying. By applying, or otherwise accessing the Pitch Rules, Participants confirm that Participants have read and agree to these Rules. If Participants do not agree to these Rules, then Participants may not apply or access the Pitch. These Rules establish a legally binding agreement between Participants and Sponsor and govern Participants Pitch application.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN

This competition is open to eligible participants without any requirement to make a purchase or payment of any kind. Making a purchase will not increase Participants chances of winning. 

3. Competition Timeline and Structure

The competition runs from Jan. 30th, 2025 to March 30th, 2025, unless otherwise terminated by CapEc at its sole discretion. 

●Round 1: Initial Submission - Deadline: March 30th. This round involves filling out a questionnaire, answering basic questions about Participants business, and connecting Participants Amazon API for sales validation.

● Round 2: Semi-Finalist Selection - Date: April 14th. Semi-finalists will be asked to share more about their long-term goals and answer detailed questions about their brand. 

● Round 3: Finalists Announced - Date: April 30th. Voting. The top 4 brands will be selected as finalists based on community votes and evaluations from four judges selected by the Sponsor.

● Live Online Pitch Event - Date: May 8th. Finalists will present live online to a panel of expert judges from the Sponsor and Partners. The winner will be announced at this event.

4. Entry Rules and Process

A. Participants must complete the application on the official Fund Tank webpage. B. Applicants must own a business that qualifies for funding as determined by CapEc. C. Only one entry per business is allowed. Attempts to submit multiple entries using different emails or automated mechanisms will result in disqualification. 

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

By applying, Participants agree to receive promotional communications from Sponsor and affiliates via email, SMS, or other methods.

Participants can opt-out of receiving marketing communications at any time by following the instructions provided in the message or contacting Sponsor.

5. Winner Selection and Prizes

Winners will be selected by CapEc based on criteria and/or live voting determined solely by the Sponsor. The Sponsor reserves the right to select winners or withhold prizes at its discretion. 

Prizes are outlined on the Fund Tank webpage and include inventory funding (which waives some or all expenses) and may include additional benefits such as storage discounts and business coaching upon Sponsor sole discretion. Prize details may change at CapEc’s discretion. 

Prizes include:

• $150,000 in no-cost inventory funding from CapEc.

• $3,000 in free reimbursements from Carbon6.

• Two free VAT registrations and two EPR registrations from AVask.

• 20% off container costs and two months of free storage from Tactical.

• Six months of Data Dive subscription and two hours of free coaching.

Prize includes up to $150,000 in inventory funding with waived interest and service fees. Standard CapEc terms and payment schedule apply.

● All winners are subject to verification and qualification.

Prizes may include but are not limited to: Inventory funding with waived interest and service fees, storage discounts, and coaching. 

● Any prize related to waiving CapEc fees must be redeemed by April 1, 2026, unless otherwise specified. 

Winners agree to the use of their name and likeness for promotional purposes by CapEc. Taxes on prizes are the responsibility of the winners. Additional prize terms may apply as specified by CapEc or its partners.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

6.1. Ownership of Submitted Materials

All materials submitted to the Competition ("Submission Materials") remain the intellectual property of the Participant.

By entering the Competition, Participants grant Sponsor a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display the Submission Materials for purposes related to the Competition.

Participants warrant that their Submission Materials do not infringe upon any third-party intellectual property rights.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

7.1 Data Protection Compliance. Sponsor shall comply with all applicable data protection and privacy laws, including without limitation the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and is specified in the Sponsor’s web site Privacy Policy. California residents shall have specific rights under CCPA, including the right to: (i) know what personal information is collected; (ii) request deletion of personal information; (iii) opt-out of the sale of personal information; and (iv) receive non-discriminatory treatment when exercising their CCPA rights.

7.2 Data Retention and Security. Sponsor shall: (i) retain personal information only for the duration necessary to fulfill Competition purposes; (ii) implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data; (iii) maintain data breach notification procedures in compliance with applicable laws; and (iv) not sell participant data to third parties without obtaining explicit prior consent.

8. Code of Conduct

   8.1 General Behavior. Participants shall: (i) maintain professional conduct throughout the Competition; (ii) refrain from any harassment, discrimination, or hostile behavior; and (iii) respect the confidentiality of other participants and judges.

   8.2 Live Pitch Event Conduct. Participants shall: (i) arrive on time for their scheduled pitch; (ii) adhere to professional dress code requirements in case of a live event; and (iii) test all technical requirements in advance of their presentation.

9. General Terms and Conditions 

   9.1 CapEc reserves the right to disqualify participants for tampering with the entry process, acting unethically, or violating the rules. The competition may be modified, suspended, or terminated if unforeseen technical or operational issues arise. Participants agree to share their contact information with CapEc’s partners. 

   9.2 CapEc may require participants to complete due diligence or attend events related to the competition. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

   9.3 Amendments. CapEc reserves the right to amend these Rules at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon being posted to the Pitch participants.

   9.4 Limitation of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, CapEc is not liable for:

● Lost, late, or misdirected entries. 

● Technical failures or unauthorized access affecting the competition. 

● Any damages or losses arising from participation, prizes, or the competition’s outcome.

● Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, revenue, or data.

9.5 CapEc is not a Financial Institution: Participants are responsible for any tax liabilities arising from prizes or participation. Tax advice is not provided by CapEc, and it is Participant 's responsibility to comply with applicable tax laws.

10. Dispute Resolution and Legal Terms

10.1 Agreement to Arbitrate. All disputes arising out of or relating to the Competition shall be resolved exclusively through final and binding arbitration. Such arbitration shall: (i) be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Streamlined Rules; (ii) be conducted by a single arbitrator; (iii) be held in Delaware or conducted remotely at the arbitrator's discretion; and (iv) result in an award that shall be binding and enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction.

10.2 Class Action Waiver. Each Participant hereby: (i) waives any right to pursue or participate in any class, collective, or representative actions; (ii) agrees to bring all claims in an individual capacity only; (iii) acknowledges that multiple participants' claims shall not be consolidated; (iv) agrees that this waiver applies to all past, present, and future disputes; and (v) explicitly waives all rights to participate in class actions, mass arbitrations, private attorney general actions, representative proceedings, and any recovery on behalf of others.

10.3 Jury Trial Waiver. Each Participant hereby knowingly and voluntarily waives any right to a jury trial. This waiver: (i) applies to all aspects of the Competition and any related disputes; and (ii) acknowledges that all claims will be decided by an arbitrator rather than a jury.

11. Force Majeure

    11.1 Force Majeure Events. Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including without limitation: (i) natural disasters or extreme weather events; (ii) pandemic or public health emergencies; (iii) war, terrorism, or civil unrest; (iv) government actions or regulations; (v) widespread technology failures or cyber attacks; and (vi) labor disputes or strikes.

    11.2 Competition Modifications. In the event of Force Majeure, Sponsor shall have the right to: (i) modify, postpone, or cancel the Competition; (ii) make reasonable efforts to notify participants of any changes; and (iii) implement alternative arrangements when possible.

Winner’s List 

Winners’ names will be available upon written request sent to CapEc: 3440 Hollywood Blvd, #415, Hollywood, FL 33021