Summary:
Five innovative startups compete for $25,000 in non-dilutive funding at StartUp Westport's inaugural pitch competition
The Shark Tank-style event features finalists selected from 77 initial applicants after months of intensive mentorship
Finalists include healthcare tech companies Chroma Shield and Mirabelle Medical, food innovation Neuro Puffs, financial tech Nexa Tax, and automotive marketplace Wheel Price
Judging panel comprises prominent Westport venture capitalists including representatives from Contour Venture Partners, 1848 Ventures, Outsiders Fund, and Launch Capital
StartUp Westport has grown to 2,700 members since its establishment in March 2023 to promote Fairfield County entrepreneurship
StartUp Westport Launches Inaugural Pitch Competition
StartUp Westport is set to launch its first-ever pitch competition this week, featuring five innovative entrepreneurs competing for $25,000 in non-dilutive funding to advance their business ideas.
Shark Tank-Style Event Details
The high-stakes event will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20th, at the Westport Library. This Shark Tank-style competition is free to attend, with tickets available through Luma.
Rigorous Selection Process
This competition represents the culmination of a months-long selection process that began with 77 pre-institutional funding startups with Connecticut-based founders or strong state connections applying for assistance. From this pool, 21 promising startups were selected to participate in intensive coaching and mentorship programs provided by StartUp Westport mentors, the Westport Library's business librarian, and local experts.
The Five Finalists
After months of dedicated mentorship and coaching, five standout finalists have been chosen to present their live pitches:
- Chroma Shield: A healthcare technology company developing a smart, wearable patch that detects and monitors radiation therapy-induced dermatitis, providing early warning signs of inflammation and complications to improve patient outcomes through better clinical care and at-home monitoring collaboration.
- Mirabelle Medical: A healthcare technology company offering a wellness device for women that enables more effective self-exams for breast cancer between mammograms.
- Neuro Puffs: A food innovation company creating adaptogen-powered snacks from superfood mushrooms grown on upcycled food waste, providing an environmentally friendly and affordable option for improving energy and focus.
- Nexa Tax: A financial services technology company addressing the unmet need of assisting college athletes with managing their taxes when profiting from their name, image, or likeness.
- Wheel Price: An automotive technology company providing a trusted online marketplace for car enthusiasts to buy and sell used parts.
Expert Judging Panel
The final pitches will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of Westport-based venture capitalists, including:
- Matt Gorin of Contour Venture Partners
- Kal Amin of 1848 Ventures
- Kira Vanderwert of Outsiders Fund
- Cliff Sirlin of Launch Capital
Cliff Sirlin also serves as president of StartUp Westport, which was established in March 2023 to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in Fairfield County. The organization has since grown to an impressive 2,700 members.
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