Clay
On June 16, 2010, TowsonGlobal collaborated with Funding Universe to bring CrowdPitch to Towson University. The event gathered more than 70 entrepreneurs and investors in an entertaining and dynamic setting, where selected companies were given four minutes to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts and a live audience. A brief, three-minute Q&A session followed the presentation, in which the entrepreneurs were able give more in-depth information about their business plans. Audience members also received $100 in “fun money,” which they could use to “invest” in the company of their choice at the end of the program.
As many as 55 companies applied to participate in the free event, but only five were selected to present: ArtiNNet Corp., MYiLIVE. Port Networks, Tots2Tweens, and WinTheTrophy. The winner was selected based on the number of votes received from the audience and the panel of judges: Dave Troy, Baltimore Angels; Rick Faint, Evergreen Capital; Laura Gamble, Skipjack Partners; and Adam Suri, Maryland State Department of Economic Development.
The Pitchers
The “pitchers” were ArtiNNet with VoicePass, mobile software that uses voice recognition security; MYiLIVE, a personalized boutique shopping website; Port Networks, smart WiFi technology; Tots2Tweens, a web directory for parents; and WinTheTrophy, a legal sports betting and social gaming site. All presenters were well prepared, eloquent and very passionate about their ideas and most received positive feedback from the panel. In the end, ArtiNNet won and received $8800 worth of prizes, including accounting/financial services, startup support counseling, Amazon web services, and will be profiled in FundingUniverse’s newsletter that is distributed to 120,000 subscribers.
TowsonGlobal Involvement
TowsonGlobal’s staff also participated in the event and got the opportunity to interact with all attendees. “ This is the first time I have been to an event like this. I was excited to be a part of it. Now I understand how hard it is to find investors and get a business going!” says intern Lissell Paredes. Intern Aaron Robinson adds “It was very informative; I didn’t know events like these existed and I’m glad I got to experience it.”
“Overall, CrowdPitch was a learning experience for everyone present, a convenient way to get advice from experts, and a great opportunity to build connections,” says TowsonGlobal Director Clay Hickson.
To see if a CrowdPitch event is coming to a city near you, click here!
CrowdPitch at Towson University
Guest Blogger
Bobbie Laur
Sharyn Kuczka
Jeremy Monn
Raquel Frye
Clay Hickson
Dawn Bott
Lindsey Meyer
Allie Pyzik
Daraius Irani
Past Bloggers
Jenn Lake
Kelsey Beckett
Timothy Brooks
Ashley Buzzeo
