Brittany Dwyer, Disco! Founder
Event planning platform Disco! took home the big foam check at the inaugural Pitches Get Stitches (and $500) pitch competition, an event produced by 4thEst8 parent company News Lab Inc.
“We’ll use the $500 for marketing. We’re also expanding to Kansas City this summer,” Disco! CEO Brittany Dwyer told the 4thEst8. “We’re a self-funded startup so anything is extremely helpful and impactful right now. Participating in this pitch competition was amazing. I was just pleasantly surprised by the turnout, so many great people (are) here.”
Three other contenders took home a voucher for a year of coworking at T-Rex, a $600 value provided by sponsors ITEN and TechSTL.
- NativeMSG, 2nd prize
- Buswell Biomedical, 3rd prize
- DaHoodTalks, people’s choice
- Click HERE for a list of other contenders
Startups that did not take the podium, and those who applied but did not get invited to the ‘ring’, are encouraged to continue polishing their pitch and re-apply at a later date. Pitch practice sessions are free and available through 1 Million Cups – STL and ITEN. While there were several venture capitalists in the room, the main goal of this event ISN’T about funding.
“I think that events like last night’s create momentum for everyone involved. The founders that presented gained invaluable experience pitching to a larger group and increased exposure. The audience got a peek into what it is like to be a founder,” Capital Innovators Managing Director Frank Hopper told the 4thEst8. “Everyone got to hear cool new ideas that just might inspire them to take the next step in the ecosystem, whatever that may be for them.”
Any startups interested in being considered for the next Pitches Get Stitches (and $500) competition in May should submit an APPLICATION
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