The abi Innovation Hub and Wasabi Ventures is excited to announce the 10 semi-finalists for New Hampshire’s first ever, ultimate pitch competition, VentureX. Start-ups interested in taking part in VentureX were asked to submit a short application, of which only 10 were invited to participate. The top 10 were selected from a highly competitive field of early stage technology companies, ranging from mobile crm communications to a digital asset storage solution for professional and prosumer photographers. The 10 semi-finalists are Digital Harbor App, Pokos Communications, My Bridal Dream, Try It Now Network, KYA Serve, Sumpto, Mosaic Storage Systems, Conforme, EyeSpy, and UVR Defense Tech.
“The response to this competition has been tremendous,” says Jamie Coughlin, Entrepreneur in Residence at the abi Innovation Hub. He adds, “The caliber of applicants was top notch. I think the response to VentureX is indicative of the growing need to fund and mentor early stage startup companies here in the granite state. It definitely shows that NH is a growing hub of innovation.”
The final rounds of VentureX will take place on January 26th, at 5:30pm and will be held at the abi Innovation Hub. The event will begin with an expo-style, cocktail party. The 10 lucky applicants will set up booths and present their project or startup to attendees. Open and free to the public, each attendee will be given 5 golden tickets, which they can distribute among the 10 startups as they wish (e.g. all 5 tickets to one, 1 ticket to 5 different competitors).
The three participants that collect the most golden tickets will qualify for the final pitch round. These three finalists each get 10 minutes to pitch their startup to a panel of five successful entrepreneurs and investors. At the end of the evening, the panel will choose the winner and an investment of $30,000 will be made.
Tom Kuegler, General Partner of Wasabi Ventures, noted “The 10 semi-finalists have much to be proud of. The competition to get to this stage was fierce. Not only was the field made up of disruptive technologies and unique business models, but I was most impressed by the entrepreneurs behind the ideas. They were passionate and communicated their ideas in a concise, professional and energetic manner. VentureX is ultimately a platform for innovative ideas and people; and in the final round we have both.”
For more information, or to attend visit venturex.wasabiventures.com.