The University of Illinois Springfield and Innovate Springfield will host a “Shark Tank” style pitch night where aspiring local entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas to investors.
The event will be held from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at Innovate Springfield, located on the second floor of 15 S. Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield.
Top startup entrepreneurs from Innovate Springfield will be showcasing their groundbreaking businesses to a distinguished panel of venture investors from across the region. Panelist include Tim Hoerr, the co-founder and CEO of Serra Ventures, and representatives from Central Illinois Angels and eCoast Angels.
Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights into the startup scene at Innovate Springfield and witness dynamic pitches from some of the most promising startup companies:
TalestESP is an online platform using AI to offer streamlined access to highly talented teams of IT consultants.
Loom offers sustainable, easy-to-use and beautiful indoor farming solutions for fresh produce at home.
KWK Labs is a tech research and development service providing FreeCAD and open-source software solutions.
Novear Therapeutics is spin-out from SIU School of Medicine that offers the first therapeutic to minimize the progression of hearing loss and restore hearing.
TeaHub is a social platform for college students that allows them to safely connect to each other and share enriching information.
In addition to experiencing the pitches, attendees will have the chance to interact directly with the founders and investors, asking them questions and exploring the ideas behind their ventures. This engagement will provide a unique window into the minds of these entrepreneurs and the passion that drives their startups forward.
Following the presentations, participants are invited to take part in a social hour from 6-7 p.m. where they’ll have a chance to mingle with investors and forge connections within the startup ecosystem.
If you are interested in attending this free event, please register online at go.uis.edu/PitchNight. Space is limited.
