On this episode of the Startup of the Year podcast, we feature the highlights from our virtual pitch competition, Honoring U.S. Veteran Founders.
We had a great group of veteran-led companies presenting their pitches. The STARTUPS included: Govlia (Fort Lauderdale, FL); Milk Money Kitchens (New York, NY); Target Arm (Ridgefield, CT); TCare (St. Louis, MO); and TruGenomix (Rockville, MD).
The event was presided over by an incredible group of judges: Burunda Prince (Chief Innovation Officer of B6); Jason Rathje (Partner - AF Ventures, AFWERX); Derren Burrell (President and Founder, Veteran Ventures Capital); and Kim Folsom (Co-Founder and CEO, Founders First Capital Partners, and Founder, LIFT Development Enterprises).
After all five startups had delivered their pitches and answered judge questions, the judges provided some general pitch tips to all in attendance. Anyone who's facing quick pitches - especially in a virtual setting - can use these tips!
“Pick a specific segment to validate what you’re doing, but recognize what validation or story that tells. Leverage that to move on to the next item. Include the validation of your revenue and economics along the way.” - Kim Folsom
“Don’t be afraid to state your ask up front! Talk to the numbers. People are going to come to you for the story, but they are also going to come to you for the business case and the ROI. Make sure you explain both of those - what you’re going to do, and how you’re going to do it.” - Derren Burrell
Congrats to TruGenomix for winning the Pitch Competition! They are now one of the Top 100 Semifinalists at the 8th Annual Startup of the Year Summit. Also, we are very excited for TCARE, which took home the People's Choice Award.
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We also hear some new segments from some of our Established Team members. Our VP, Engagement at Established, Rich Maloy, provides some advice with the VC Minute. Our CTO, Joe Corbett discussed some pointers with the Two Minute Tech Tips and our Director of Partnerships, Jacqui Dietrich provides and update about our Partner Programs and specifically discusses the following:
- Bunker Labs Virtual Town Halls https://www.facebook.com/thebunkerlabs/
- Hello Alice Black-Owned Business Resource Center https://helloalice.com/homepage
- Business coaches at http://wiseher.com
- Embarc Collective Florida Survey https://bit.ly/2BBdHSR
- Founders Beta Talent Matchup foundersbeta.com
- Backstage Capital at Startup of the Year Pitch Event https://sotyblackfounders.eventbrite.com
- NFX How VCs Judge Your Startup (on zoom) https://bit.ly/2FgsunB
Please nominate a Community Partner supporting or investing in startups! Feel free to email Jacqui at: jacqui@est.us
As mentioned in the episode, please join us for our upcoming event we are hosting on September 3rd, as we celebrate five Black-led companies. During the event, each startup will pitch to a panel of expert judges for a $1,000 cash prize and an automatic Top 100 Semifinalist Spot at our 8th Annual Startup of the Year Summit which will be held online on November 9th - 10th You can register for the event at the following link: https://startupoftheyearblackfoundersevent.eventbrite.com/
Thank you for listening, and as always, please check out the Established website and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.est.us
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