Leaders and emerging talents in Tacoma’s startup scene are convening from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 19 for the Tacoma Rising pitch competition at UrbanWork Rhodes Center.
At the event, 10 early-stage local businesses will pitch innovation-forward ideas to a panel of local CEOs, community leaders, and entrepreneurs — known within the competition as “titans,” a press release noted — for the chance to take home a $10,000 cash prize.
To be eligible, early-stage companies must:
- Hold an active business state and city of Tacoma business license
- Be in operation for less than five years
- Have a valid Unified Business Identifier number issued by the Washington State Department of Revenue
- Be based in or serving the greater Tacoma area
- Have an active business model, product, or service in development or in market
- Be prepared to create and deliver a 5-minute pitch and engage in a Q&A session with the titans
- Align with Tacoma Rising’s mission to “protect, connect, support,” with a focus on local impact
- Be able to attend a short orientation prior to the event
This year’s panel of titans includes Jacob Wilson of Crux Commercial Partners, Anand Vadapalli of Lightcurve Internet, Devin Page of Colvos Construction, Julie White of Pierce College, Sheila Edwards Lange of University of Washington Tacoma, Chris Brown of Emerald City Smoothie Washington, and Dona Ponepinto of United Way Pierce County…