Launchpad Liftoff Pitch Competition
Launchpad Liftoff Poster
Black Orlando Tech has partnered with KoFound, the Orange County Government and Innovus Innovation Center to host a pitch competition to help underrepresented tech entrepreneurs blast off into the tech industry. The pitch competition fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and community within the tech industry. Participants will present their innovative tech startup ideas to industry leaders during the competition. The pitch competition grand prize winner will receive up to $10,000, while the second and third-place winners also receive funding to back their project.
Are you looking for a way to break into tech? Do you have an innovative tech startup that you are looking to grow? Are you looking for tech startup resources or Orlando tech accelerators? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to apply to Black Orlando Tech’s Launchpad Liftoff Competition.
Spectators and tech enthusiasts, reserve your spot in the audience and witness these brilliant minds compete to change the face of tech.
The Launchpad Liftoff Pitch Competition encourages tech entrepreneurs to showcase their startups while providing a place for tech enthusiasts to watch the new wave of technological advancements. Top entrepreneurs can earn funds to scale their operations and grow their startups.
Launch Details:
The event is open to spectators and tech entrepreneurs competing in the pitch competition.
Date: Thursday, Sept, 26, 2024
Time: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Location: INNOVUS Innovation Center 1201 W. State Road 436, Altamonte, Springs, FL 32714.
Prize Pool:
Grand Prize - $10,000
2nd Place - $5,000
3rd Place - $2,500
Catering by Craze Graving and mocktails by Royal-T Tapas.
Prepare for Liftoff
Tech entrepreneurs can apply for one of the 10 spots in the competition by submitting their application to BOT by Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
Tech enthusiasts and spectators can reserve their tickets using the Eventbrite link below. Admission is free.
Launchpad Liftoff is an excellent opportunity to propel your startup and bring your vision to life.
Be a part of the revolution and watch a new wave of tech entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Network with other tech enthusiasts and cheer on entrepreneurs with a big vision.
Meet The Judges:
Dr. Laine Powell | Founder & Executive Director of Collegiate Pathways, Inc.
Dr. Laine Powell
Dr. Laine Powell is the Founder and Executive Director of Collegiate Pathways, Inc., which empowers underrepresented girls through its Tech Sassy Girlz program, preparing them for college and STEM careers. Passionate about closing the gender and diversity gap in tech, Powell is dedicated to helping girls become creators and innovators. She also serves as Vice President of Ace Applications, LLC, a technology solutions provider offering custom software, IT staffing, and consulting.
Katleen Francois | Operating Partner at Chloe Capital and Chief of Staff at Open Venture Capital
Kathleen Francois
Katleen Francois is a Venture Capital Consultant with over a decade of experience, providing flexible, high-impact support to venture capital funds. Known for her innovative solutions and expertise in business development, securing funding, and scaling initiatives, Katleen is a valuable asset to emerging funds. As an award-winning journalist recognized by the Associated Press, she leverages her investigative skills to assess investment opportunities and foster strategic partnerships. Driven by a passion for empowering change makers, Katleen is committed to bridging the gap for underestimated communities and supporting innovative thinkers in creating world-changing initiatives.
Rupert Meghnot | Founder and Executive Director of Collegiate Pathways, Inc.
Rupert Meghnot
Rupert Meghnot, founder of Orlandopreneur, has launched and invested in 30+ startups across multiple industries. His mission is to double the startup success rate and make Orlando’s ecosystem a model for economic growth. With 2,700 members and monthly meetups, Orlandopreneur is the leading startup community in the region. Rupert has mentored thousands of entrepreneurs, taught at UCF and Full Sail, and played a key role in Orlando's startup ecosystem. Awarded Florida Innovator of the Year (2022), he developed a proven methodology for building startups 'better, faster, and cheaper.
Bryan Young | CEO of Home Lending Pal
Bryan Young
Bryan Young is the CEO of Home Lending Pal, a geospatial data and analytics company leveraging artificial general intelligence (AGI) to automate processes and drive financial inclusion. Under his leadership, the company grew from a $4.8M venture-backed startup to facilitating $6B in loan revenue within two years, thanks to strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Experian, IBM, and Mastercard. A Bloomberg Businessweek Top 25 Under 25 Entrepreneur and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, Bryan has over two decades of experience in global digital strategy, working with brands like Microsoft, Panasonic, and Zillow. His data-driven approach has generated over $2 billion in revenue, transforming operational efficiency and expanding access to financial products for underserved communities
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