This article explains Section 8 of the Official Rules, Winner Selection, in plain English. The Official Rules are the final word.
The short version
- Every complete application is scored by AI (Anthropic's Claude).
- The top-scoring applications are reviewed personally by Mike Morgan, Founder and CEO of AI Venture Holdings LLC.
- The final selection is at the Sponsor's sole discretion.
The four scoring dimensions
The Official Rules name four dimensions:
Urgency of need
How much pressure is the business under, and how soon does something need to change? This contest is built for businesses that need a rescue, not businesses that are doing fine.
AI-readiness
Could AI and automation realistically be put to work in this business within a 60-day deployment? Things like having core processes you can describe, tools you already use, and someone available to make decisions all matter here. You don't need to be technical.
Potential business impact
If the deployment goes well, how much could it change things for the business: revenue, cash flow, hours, stress, jobs?
Application authenticity
Is this a real business, described honestly, in the owner's own words? Specific, true details beat polished, generic writing every time.
What the AI score is, and isn't
The AI score helps us review a large number of applications consistently. Our Terms of Service are clear that AI scoring results are advisory and are not a commitment to select any particular applicant. A person reviews the top applications, and the Sponsor makes the final call.
Things that are not judging criteria
Under the Official Rules, these don't change your score:
- How many people you refer
- Whether you attend Rescue Live, The Rescue Room, or office hours
- How early you applied (though applying early is still smart, since applications close once we have enough strong applicants)
- Anything you buy, because there's nothing to buy. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
The honesty question
The application asks how things are really going. If you answer that your business is doing fine and you're just curious, you won't be entered in the contest. That isn't a penalty; this contest is simply for businesses that need help now.
How to give your application its best shot
- Be specific. Name the actual problem: "we miss about a third of our calls on weekends" is more useful than "we need better customer service," as long as it's true.
- Be honest. Authenticity is one of the four dimensions. Don't exaggerate.
- Write in your own words. We want to hear how you talk about your business.
- Keep your answers current. If something major changes, email hello@aiventureholdings.com.
Fair play
Our Terms of Service prohibit false or misleading information, multiple applications for the same business, and attempts to manipulate scoring or referral attribution.
When will I hear?
We'll announce the winner after applications close and every finalist has been reviewed. Your status in Rescue HQ updates as your application moves along, and status changes are emailed to you. See Timeline and the Rolling Deadline.