20Fathoms is pleased to announce the four companies selected to compete at the TCNewTech pitch competition on April 15, 4:30 – 7:30 pm, at the City Opera House in Traverse City.
Pitch presenters:
Fen X Custom
Custom in-ear products made and delivered in a fraction of the usual time. Presented by Gary Lemanski.
Ridar Systems
Awareness alerts to drivers about nearby cyclists to allow for safe passing. Presented by Mary Michno.
NicNix
Weans users off nicotine through a customized reduction plan via a software-hardware system. Presented by Kirin Olsen & Sam Henley.
Farmish
A social marketplace that connects local farms with consumers and wholesale buyers. Presented by Terra Osman.
The pitch presenters will compete for a $5000 first place award, $2000 second place award, and $500 audience favorite award.
Pitch presentations will be judged by a panel of local startup experts including:
- Cotopaxi Lyon, founder and CEO of Lyon Quality Assurance and The Lyon Agency
- Mike Groleau, Principal and Chief Analytics Officer at RJG
- Lisa Baker-Lorincz, Senior Business Consultant at Vensure Employer Solutions
In addition, the audience will vote on their favorite pitch.
The event will be moderated by Madison Meter with Tilt Think Improv.
Presentation & University Demo
In addition to the pitch competition, the event will include a presentation with Dana Black, executive public speaking and speaker delivery coach, and Shea Petaja, intuitive business coach for executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs.
A University Demo, a science fair for startups, will also be held in the lobby of the City Opera House before the competition. Attendees can enjoy refreshments as they explore the demo, and vote for their favorite student startup! The university demo favorite will be awarded $500 during the pitch competition. Participating universities include:
- Central Michigan University
- Grand Valley State University
- Michigan State University
- Northwestern Michigan College
- University of Michigan
There will be an afterparty at 7 Monks Taproom.
The community is invited to attend this fun and inspiring event. There is no cost to attend. Reserve your ticket.
About TCNewTech
A program of 20Fathoms, TCNewTech is a recurring pitch competition supported by tech enthusiasts, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2015 as a way to connect local tech professionals, TCNewTech is a critical component in Traverse City’s growing startup community. Since its founding, more than 250 companies have pitched and nearly $50,000 in pitch prizes have been awarded.
TCNewTech is made possible through the generosity of community partners including Presenting Partner Celly Health and Supporting Partners SJA Solutions, Honor Bank, Grand Valley State University, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, RJG, AccessPoint, a Venture Employer Services Company, Aurora Patents, MSUFCU, and Up North Healthtech.