WHALE TANK - Tulum Innovation Fest 2026

GLOBAL ACCELERATION PROGRAM

The Official Startup Investment Readiness & Investor Platform of Tulum Innovation Fest

Whale Tank is a global founder program designed to identify, prepare and showcase high-potential startups through investment readiness training, mentorship, investor matchmaking and live pitching opportunities.

In partnership with the strategic leadership of Ron Oliver, the program connects entrepreneurs with investors, venture capital funds, family offices, corporate innovation leaders and strategic partners from around the world.

PROGRAM JOURNEY
300+ Applications
30 Selected Startups
Investment Readiness Program
Mentorship & 3 Pitch Training
1:1 sessions with top-tier mentors and investors
A 1-minute pitch in front of the entire audience at the event
5 Finalists Whale Tank Grand Finale
Investor Matchmaking
Post-Program Growth Support and Perks

# PROGRAM DATES

Applications Open : July 1, 2026

Applications Close : October 15, 2026

Selection Process : October 15-21, 2026:

Selected Startups Announcement
Payments from startups

Online Preparation Sessions: October 23, 2026

Founder Arrival : December 9, 2026 ; Investment Readiness Program:
Arrival, registration, room assignment, welcome kit and accreditation.
Meet fellow founders, mentors, investors and organizing team.
Introduction to the Founder Experience, objectives, methodology and event roadmap.
Competition format, judging criteria, scoring system and expectations.
Official 12–14 slide structure, storytelling and deliverables.
Quick introductions between startups, mentors and investors.
Official opening of Tulum Innovation Fest and introduction of Whale Tank startups.
Welcome Party

December 10, 2026 : Investment Readiness Program:
Daily objectives, wins, blockers and collaboration requests.
Breakfast with mentors and investors.

ICP, interviews, traction and validation evidence.
Rotating mentoring sessions with experts.
Product, value proposition and MVP.
Live mentoring session with one selected startup.
Lunch with founders, investors and speakers.
Storytelling, confidence and stage presence.
One-on-one meetings with investors and mentors.
Official networking dinner of the festival.

December 11, 2026 : Investment Readiness Program:
Breakfast with mentors and investors. Daily objectives and priorities.
Revenue streams, pricing and business model.
CAC, LTV, KPIs and projections.
TAM, SAM, SOM and competitive landscape.
Growth roadmap and commercialization strategy.
Investment Ask, valuation, use of funds and Data Room.
Professional interviews, portraits and social media content.
A 1-minute pitch - Semi Finale - pitch from every startup before the full festival audience.
Guided community experience across Calle 7.

December 12, 2026 : Whale Tank Grand Finale
Breakfast with mentors and investors.
Wellness, beach, networking and relaxation.
Final pitch rehearsals, timing, slides and vocal coaching.
Whale Tank Grand Finale!!! Live startup competition before judges, investors and the entire Tulum Innovation Fest audience.
Announcement of winners and recognition of finalists.
Official closing celebration of the festival.

December 13, 2026 :
Breakfast with mentors and investors.
Check Out and Transport of the Airport
See you in the next Tulum Innovation Fest 2027...

Mentors:
Chris Roe (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisroecoach/
Alex Santana - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsantanag/
Abraham (Abe) Ramos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abe-ramos-p/
Andres Najera - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresnajerap/
Paulina de la Graza - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinadelagar/

Investors:
Josu Gomez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/josu-gomez-barrutia-4bb43a63/
Pamela Jramoy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-jramoy-6b15905/
Abel Bezares - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abel-bezares-0a890437/
Ale Bustos - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alebustos/
Diego Serebrisky - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegoserebrisky/
Santiago Tamayo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiagotamayodaza-01/
Gregorio Londoño - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-londono-soto/
Mario Garcia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioagarciad/
David Alvo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidalvo/

Staff:
Omar Morales - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-morales-a12a07140/
Ron Oliver - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronoliveroliver/

December 9–12, 2026 : Tulum Innovation Fest 2026
See program

Location: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

https://www.tuluminnovationfest.com/whale-tank

https://www.tuluminnovationfest.com/