Ten early stage startups descended on Paducah, Kentucky to make their pitches for the 1st50K grant competition. The public/private fund awards equity-free $50,000 to startups on the condition that they move their headquarters to Cape Girardeau, Missouri or Paducah. The competition is overseen by Codefi, a colocated workspace that has offices in both cities.
CEO’s from two past winners were in Paducah to show their support.
Caught Schmoozing are:
- John Bilak, Sprocket; Kelby Price, Kentucky Science and Technology Corp.
- Max Montrey, CEO SportsTrace; Patrick Brumley, Beltline Electric
- Murielle Gaither, CEO Venku; Kevin and Ann Kauffeld, Independence Bank
- George Bray, Mayor of Paducah; Jenny Hines, candidate for KY Court of Appeals; Eddie Jones, McCracken Co. Commissioner
- Matt Grimsley, C.S.I.; Sarah Gant, 1st50K and Codefi Works; Lea Wentworth, McCracken Co. Public Library
- Aaron Thomas, Code Labs Trainee; Kate Senn, Ph.D., West Kentucky College
On the 4thEst8: