Pitch Pit Competition

Selected entrepreneurs will each give a four-minute pitch of their business plan to a panel of investor judges in a “Shark Tank” format.  PowerPoint slides are not permitted. Think of it as the proverbial “elevator speech.”

After all of the pitches are completed, the judges will give detailed feedback. At the end of the evening, the person with the highest score will receive the opportunity to receive a Business Readiness Assessment coaching session with New Enterprise Forum coaches. Interested in pitching your own idea? Apply here!

Joshua Dubler, Calorie Dense Nutrition

Denys Slyusar, Down2Chill

Sam Currier, Extrinsic Immunity Therapeutics

Fernando Silva, VITia

Rif Miles Olsen, Two Planet Steel

Lauren de Vries of Ann Arbor SPARK. Lauren is Ann Arbor SPARK’s Capital Programs Associate, responsible for analyzing and evaluating investment opportunities; portfolio management; market research and analysis; and reporting. She brings her passion for business strategy, entrepreneurship, and data-driven insight to the role. Previously, Lauren held the position of Data Analyst with SPARK’s Entrepreneurial Services team where she drove analysis and research, providing critical information and services to startup and business executives and the Michigan ecosystem. Before joining SPARK, she was a Research Associate at the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute, supporting key programs including the Defense Cybersecurity Assurance Program and Talent Bridge. She graduated magna cum laude with a major in Digital Marketing and minors in Economics and General Business from Western Michigan University.

David Bloom of Pointe Angels.David Bloom is a veteran of thirteen startups, an advisor or director with four emerging companies, and a mentor for scores of innovative technology ventures in Life Science/Medical Devices, Advanced Materials/Cleantech, and Cloud/Mobile Applications. David is the Executive Director of the Pointe Angels investment club, where he is responsible for scouting, screening, due diligence, and coordinating deal flow with Angel investors across the state. David organizes monthly investor meetings to showcase qualified startups, preview rising stars, and update investors on portfolio companies.  David holds a BSE in Electrical Engineering, and an MSE in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan.

This even will feature a 10-minute investor-focused pitch, developed by a local entrepreneur with the help of NEF’s coaching program. The goal of the Showcase Presentation is to allow entrepreneurs to present their business plan and connect with potential investors.

This month’s Showcase Presenter will be Jeff Dwoskin with Stampede Social.

Come join us in person to enjoy food and drink and conversation with members of the local startup community.