Project Pitch It, the Wisconsin show modeled after Shark Tank, has announced the first nine startups that will pitch their businesses on the premiere of the show’s third season.
Project Pitch It, which premieres Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. on WISN-TV Channel 12, asks budding Wisconsin-based companies to apply each season for a chance to be on the show. Over the course of the upcoming third season, 24 Wisconsin startups will pitch their ideas across eight episodes.
The entrepreneurs pitch their companies to southeastern Wisconsin business leaders, who administer funding worth up to $30,000 to companies they find promising. Judges include LifeMoves Founder Peggy Ann, Stuck Co-Founder Jerry Jendusa, local attorney David Gruber and former Nevada Corp. President Deborah Allen.
Meet the first nine companies below:
Brio: The startup, based in Madison, makes a mobile app that allows bar and restaurant patrons to pay for their drinks and meals straight from their phone. Brio allows users to split and pay their tabs, tip their servers and leave, all without having to interact with their waiter.
Caveman (CM) Skullies: This Racine-based clothing startup, co-founded by military veteran Nick Loomis, sells beanies, sunglasses and hoodies designed for motorcyclists. Their most popular product is a beanie that has subtle compartments in it to securely and safely wear sunglasses while riding.
Little Food Company: Touting locally-sourced and organic produce, Little Food sells freshly prepared baby food. Based in Appleton, the startup sells its products online and at the local Appleton farmer’s market.
OnKöl: The Milwaukee startup makes a hardware device that connects families to their elderly relatives. Designed to remain at the elderly relative’s home, the device notifies members of their family through texts and emails when they’ve had medication, taken phone calls or need help.
PumpFive: Based in Milwaukee, the startup provides gas and diesel refueling services to individuals and businesses. Users order gas through a mobile app, where they can notify PumpFive of their car’s location, schedule the delivery and pay for it.
Safe Lumin: The startup makes a daily-use lightbulb that doubles as an emergency bulb for power outages. When the power goes out, the bulb’s outage sensor is triggered, causing it to switch to pulling energy from a built-in battery.
Stimmi: Based in Madison, the startup operates a caregiver website that helps streamline care for those that are disabled or have complex needs. The website allows users to create a cloud-based care plan tailored to an individual that can be accessed by everyone who helps provide care.
Top Note Tonic: This startup has carved out a niche in the beverage industry by making flavorful tonic mixers and syrups for cocktails. Based in Milwaukee, Top Note Tonic’s products come in three flavors, such as bitter lemon, ginger beer and Indian tonic.
VolliBands: Based in Appleton, VolliBands makes sporting goods and equipment for strength and conditioning training.
