It is a “pitch party” where a select group of entrepreneurs has up to 5 minutes to convince a panel of investors to meet with them to further discuss their ventures. Using a format similar to the popular television show Shark Tank, our investors provide feedback to the entrepreneurs about their presentations and companies, and information to all about why they decide to be “In” or “Out.” If they are “In” they will meet with the Entrepreneur at a later time to discuss their company. If they are “Out” there is no interest at this time. Again, the investor lets us know why s/he will not move forward with the presenter.

 

For this event, we seek companies beyond the idea stage who are developing a “blue” technology product or service. The ideal company will have raised funds from friends, family, and/or grants such as SBIR’s. If the company’s product is a software or SAAS product, it should be in beta testing or later.

 

A selection committee will choose the top 8 applicants to present. The successful applicants will be deemed to have companies most likely to interest the investment panel. In the past, the successful companies have been beyond the idea stage, with a finished product and/or revenue or significant progress toward commercialization.

 

We are excited to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to connect and collaborate in a lively dynamic pitch competition,” stated Mollie Frazer Williams, Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the Piranha Pond Event or to register, please visit

 

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This event is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) a program of The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates an array of programs in 200 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. GEW is locally organized by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth for the Southeast region of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

 

Blue Venture Forum is a first-of-its kind forum that assists blue technology companies to grow and scale by connecting them to investors, corporate partners and resource providers. The forum develops and delivers customized programming, including panel discussions, workshops, pitch competitions as well as one on one mentoring through its extensive network of experienced industry professionals. The forum also organizes the largest Blue Economy conference in New England, Blue Innovation Symposium.

 

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of the state’s largest business advocacy organizations, whose mission is to connect, innovate, enhance and advocate for the businesses of Greater Newport. As a trusted and reliable institution for nearly 100 years, the Greater Newport Chamber is a vibrant collective body of the greater Newport business community with nearly 1,100 members representing over 50,000 employees. We work to create valuable strategic partnerships, promote strong economic growth, diversity and prosperity to serve its members and the Greater Newport region.

 

UMASS Dartmouth is a national research university that opens a world of exploration and discovery. Our students work with world-class faculty researchers and journey into real-world innovation and experiences.