Invest Southwest announced the call for applications for the 2019 Venture Madness Conference will begin December 14, 2018 and run through January 10, 2019. Companies gaining market traction are encouraged to apply to compete as one of 24-36 entrants who will live-pitch their unique value for a chance to win a portion of the $60,000 cash prizes, mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, executives and investors and exclusive access to active institutional and angel investor judges and attendees from throughout the Southwest.
“Venture Madness is the go-to competition for startups and emerging growth companies who have proven initial market demand and are eager to advance to the next level,” says Ryan Edwards, 2019 chairman of Invest Southwest and managing director of technology banking at Silicon Valley Bank. “Venture Madness connects growing companies with investors to create key relationships that often result in accelerating their growth. We even see applicants that don’t win still make incredibly meaningful connections and gain invaluable exposure that helps advance their growth and funding objectives down the road–so there’s a lot of benefit to applying and getting to the live event overall.”
The upcoming event will open with a networking reception the night of Feb. 27, 2019 at Galvanize Phoenix, and a one-day pitch event the following day at Events on Jackson, in the historic warehouse district of Downtown Phoenix. The 24-36 applicants that make it through the two initial judging rounds in January will win a spot to participate in the live event, and pitch their way to victory against other contenders in their category.
This year’s six categories are:
- SaaS / Software – in process of developing product, validating market demand and generating consistent revenue
- Deep Tech/Hardware/IoT – building physical products or hardware/software products
- Institutional Tech (Fintech, Blockchain, Cyber, Ed Tech) – in process of developing technology, validating market fit and generating consistent revenue
- Growth – growing technology companies across categories generating a minimum of $3MM in annual revenue
- Biotech/Healthcare/Life Sciences – healthcare and life sciences companies with a pre- or post-FDA / regulatory approval offering solutions designed to improve health and quality of life
- Consumer – technology companies delivering products/services to individuals and/or households via software or mobile devices.
The annual event is presented in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority and attracts the most renowned venture capital, angel and institutional investors as well as community focused sponsors and CEOs from the region.
The finalists will be announced the week of January 28, 2019. Each will partake in expert mentor sessions throughout February in preparation for the event.
“We’re proud of the fact that Invest Southwest has helped raise over $300 million for startups since inception, and our signature event is a big part of that,” said Karen Katzorke, executive director of Invest Southwest. “One of the best aspects of the competition and this organization is that it brings our entrepreneurial community together. It’s really the ‘connective tissue’ that creates mutually beneficial relationships across key audiences.”
To apply for Venture Madness starting on December 14, please visit the Venture Madness website. Interested companies can also register now for a free Get Ready Seminar on December 7, designed to help companies hone their application and pitch for the Venture Madness competition. If you are interested in sponsorship, please visit the Venture Madness sponsorship webpage to download the 2019 sponsor toolkit or to apply to become a sponsor. Companies can also contact Karen Katzorke at Karen.Katzorke@investsouthwest.org, with any questions.
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About Invest Southwest
Invest Southwest is the premier organization for connecting investors with the best and brightest ventures in the region. In addition to providing valuable information on topics important to the investment community, Invest Southwest offers year-round opportunities for investors to connect with emerging growth companies. Its signature event, Venture Madness, is a unique competition presented in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority. Venture Madness pits thoroughly evaluated, emerging companies against one another in a head-to-head competition to crown the champion of champions. Visit InvestSouthwest.org for more information.