Hoosier Startups Win Evansville Pitch Competition
Heliponix CEO Scott Massey makes his pitch to the judges in Evansville. (photo courtesy of Heliponix)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo Indiana startups took home prizes last week at the Venture Club of Indiana’s regional pitch competition in Evansville. The winners were selected out of five companies and will move on to the statewide Innovation Showcase competition in August.
Evansville-based Heliponix won first place, which included $500 cash and $5,000 of in-kind services from InGen Technologies. The company produces the GROPOD, an in-home hydroponic appliance that can grow fresh produce.
SafeKeeping LLC in Zionsville won second place and $1,500 of in-kind services from Gutwein Law. The company offers an integrated care dashboard app for long-term care facilities. The app connects residents, families and caregivers.
"Participating in pitch competitions is a great opportunity for companies, no matter what stage of development they are at," said Eric Steele, entrepreneur-in-residence at Elevate Ventures. "Through events like this, Elevate continues to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem and to make sure Southwest Indiana is well represented throughout the State to investors and potential customers."
The judges for the event included Mike Asem from Chicago-based M25 Group, Indianapolis-based Allos Ventures Managing Director Don Aquilano and Aric Pryor, founder of Quarion Technology, which won the 2018 Innovation Showcase.
The Innovation Showcase will take place August 22 in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, the Venture Club of Indiana will host its Indianapolis regional pitch competition July 11.