Last Wednesday night at Silicon Couloir’s Pitch Day, five local entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to a panel of experienced judges as well as an in-person and virtual audience, following months of coaching, refinement and practice. It was our strongest group of presenters yet, and the passion and purpose was palpable. All finalists made huge strides in their business models and presentations that will help guide their success. We are proud to announce the award winners of Pitch Day 2022.
Panelist Choice Award
Matt LeKrey, Co-Founder of Remo Health
$10,000 cash award
The panelist choice award is given to the company that our experienced entrepreneur judges determine has (1) the most compelling business idea, (2) the best chance for business success, (3) the highest likelihood of getting funded, (4) the strongest presentation, and (5) values alignment with Silicon Couloir.
"One of the most difficult things to find throughout the process of building your company is people that will tell you the truth about your business —what you need to hear, “ states LeKrey. Remo would not have been fortunate to win the Panelist Choice Grand Prize without the Pitch Day process or feedback from the coaches along the way. We're incredibly grateful for the Silicon Couloir community and how programs like Pitch Day enable us to live out our entrepreneurial dreams in the beautiful place we get to call home."
Photo: Matt LeKrey is working to provide comprehensive, accessible dementia care.
Audience Choice Award Winner
Juan Morales, Founder of Naughty Fruit
$5,000 cash award and one-year free use of The Cowork Space in Jackson, WY
The audience choice award is voted on by the audience and is given to the company who “wows” the audience with their presentation and company.
Photo: Bill Haaland , Silicon Couloir mentor, announces Naughty Fruit as the audience favorite.
“Naughty Fruit has gone through a transformation since we became involved with Silicon Couloir, from its inception of the Start-Up Institute to our participation in TEAMS.” stated Morales. We have received so much invaluable business knowledge along the way. We were honored to win the Audience Choice Award and couldn’t have done it without the wonderful coaching.”
Bob Arndt Community Caretaker Award
Sam Schwartz, Founder of Avant Delivery
$2,500 cash award + 6 months free use at The Cowork Space in Jackson, WY + invitation to join Silicon Couloir’s TEAMS Mentoring Program
The Bob Arndt Community Caretaker Award is presented to that entrepreneur or venture whose person/team and company best embodies the core values and mission of Silicon Couloir, which is to align entrepreneurship with community vision to promote a diverse economy and healthy environment for current and future generations. Just as Bob lived his life guided by the value of community caretaking, this company will exemplify growing a culture of stewardship, leadership, participation, collaboration, and citizenship that inspires and enriches our tight-knit, welcoming mountain town. The winner will have the opportunity to participate in TEAMS, our highly successful mentoring program.
“Pitch Day was a 3 month process that encouraged my company to highlight our most unique position…me, the founder!” explains Schwartz. “How does my personal story drive a relentless pursuit to solve the single use plastic crisis? Silicon Couloir empowered me to highlight my commitment to protecting my community's greatest asset (the natural environment). Due to the multiple coaching sessions that enriched my presentation I was fortunate enough to walk away with the Bob Arndt Community Caretaker Award.”
Photo: Sandy Hessler, who watched Sam Schwartz grow up next door, proudly announces the Bob Arndt Community Caretaker award for Sam.
Pitch Day would not be possible without the enormous volunteer efforts of our selection committee, coaches, and panelists. We are extremely grateful for your participation.
Pitch Day was generously sponsored by Pirate Ship and First Republic Bank. Photo by Lisa King.