Innovation comes in many forms, and that was on full display during the Denver Startup Week’s Pitch Competition finals on Thursday night.
In the fifth annual edition of the competition, the setting and crowd was different, but the quality of pitches was as strong as ever.
Companies spanned across ages and industries, from a teenager pitching his last mile delivery startup to a company focused on creating more environmentally sustainable cremation. In total, six finalists competed for a prize package worth up to $100,000 of in-kind services and products.
“We’ve seen over all these different Denver Startup Weeks so many incredible companies come out of these pitch competitions. So, you never know, you might be seeing that next unicorn for Denver tonight,” said Ben Deda, CEO of FoodMaven and co-founder of Denver Startup Week.
Let’s see the finalists and eventual winner below:
The company has created an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cremation. By using plant nutrients to break down bodies, the company has created a solution that allows bodies to be returned to the earth in a way that benefits the environment. Fireless Cremation Systems won the 2020 Denver Startup Week Pitch finals.
The youth-led nonprofit works to reduce the impacts of poverty in education through targeted programing. The organization offers a scholarship fund, a classroom supply bank and a microgrant program that provides students with basic education necessities in exchange for participation in a course that guides them to higher education.
The Denver startup helps patients and therapists to connect and manage all aspects of care in one place. The company's digital tools, which launched on a new platform in May, connect users to providers who have the highest compatibility rating, and offers an easier way for people experiencing mental health issues to seek professional help.
The Denver-based company is developing earbuds made of a malleable material that allows for better earbud fit and comfort. The better seal in the ear improves audio quality and comfort, founder Shea Gerhardt said, as Buderflys' initial target customers will be those who are listening mainly to spoken content like podcasts and audiobooks.
The startup, founded by 14-year-old Jack Bonneau, is a last-mile delivery service operated by teenagers. They deliver from restaurants, grocery stores and Amazon lockers using electric bikes and scooters.
The company, born out of Aspen Academy, promotes leadership, finance and entrepreneurship for kids. FutureHolders has created a subscription-based learning platform filled with curriculum in leadership development, as well as other key categories.
