We’re LIVE! at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research for today’s “Big Launch Challenge”. The Launch Place & First Flight Venture Center have ran a contest for early-stage companies and 6 finalists are making their pitches too day. Be sure to refresh this page often for the latest photos, happenings, and commentary. We’ll clean this article up tonight when we get home and add bonus coverage.
Troy Knauss is the keynote speaker. He talks about angel investing & his business and investing successes (and busts).
Our first company is Camras Vision. They are working on a medical device to stop the progression of advanced glaucoma. Ray Krauss is the CEO.
The winner of today’s competition gets up to $20K in funding, and second place gets up to $10K.
Our second presenter is Arsheen Allam from GO Leaf. This company will produce graphene oxide, which could replace silicon and carbon fibers in things like semiconductors.
The judges listen to the business pitch.
GO Leaf talks about why they looked at Danville to locate, talking about low tax rates, and proximity to companies like Goodyear & Nestle that can use the graphene oxide.
Chira Deka from iNdexus Biomedical is up next.
This company is developing a multifunction blood analyzer. So far, these companies are looking for millions of dollars in investments. Three down, three to go. After a break, we’re back. Our 4th business pitch is Dipak Mahato with SeaChange Technologies.
This company is working on water desalination machines. Their concept is speeding up evaporation by aerosolizing water and then lowering the air pressure.
Next, Dr. Jenny & Tom show off Tom & Jenny’s candies. She’s a dentist who is making sugar-free candies.
They’ve already got their candies in Durham’s Whole Foods Market. They make an excellent presentation.
City Councilman John Gilstrap, Tom & Jenny stop by the media table.
Our final business pitch is Velosal Medical, with a new product for intubation.
How many people were in the audience?
If I don’t count the judges and staff from The Launch Place, I’d say about 15.
Really pitiful considering all the publicity for it. Most of the 15 were no doubt friends of contestants.