If you think back to 1963 when Flipper was produced (or 1996 when it was remade), you will remember the dolphin in the film portrayed like a seagoing version of Lassie. Following commands and partaking in rescues, the aquatic mammal resembled a man's best friend. Intelligent, sleek, and graceful, Flipper captured the hearts of all who viewed the movie. Even prior to Flipper's popularity, dolphins were highly regarded as good omens by Ancient Greeks. Known for its supportive nature, the Dolphin Tank was the perfect title choice for Springboard's elevator pitch session.
It's a "D.C.-based venture catalyst with global reach," Katie Gage who manages programs for Springboard Enterprises announced to her audience last night when referring to the Dolphin Tank. "And, if you act like this is the Shark Tank," Valerie Gaydos continued for her, "a dolphin will be thrown at you."
The Dolphin Tank is a great business opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs alike who are in search of counterparts to work with. Each presenter delivers a two minute description of their product and then receives three to five minutes of constructive criticism and helpful feedback from expert judges and audience members. It's a win-win situation for all involved. Audience members learn about innovative new products that could make their lives easier, investors find businesses to invest in, and startups discover partners interested in funding their ventures. Follow-up meetings are often scheduled and insight into what makes a convincing pitch are just two of the key benefits of the Dolphin Tank produced by Springboard Enterprises.
Yesterday, as a part of the Angel Venture Forum Showcase, the Dolphin Tank featured six presenters with 10 extraordinary judges ready and willing to express their opinions on each pitch delivered. There was high attendance and brilliant ideas were expressed.
Check out the pictures in the slideshow and then read the descriptions of each pitch below!
"Kayak.com meets TripAdvisor," a mother's dream. Live since February, CampEasy was pitched as a site with the largest database of current camp information that has camps pay them to gain prime visibility at the time and place parents are making camp decisions. A quick and easy way for parents to configure their summer plans. As a NBC national news correspondent for fourteen years, information is Salkoff's thing, a quick sell to all in the audience. Biggest challenge? "Resources to be as responsive as we need to be to camps and parents. We are so anxious to grow and meet the need." Judge feedback? "Extremely positive with only one question about the cost of acquisition."
"We found a way to monetize BYOB." The sound byte was an immediate game changer as Chetrit went on to describe Tixelated, an event ticketing platform enhancing the social experience. Targeted mostly towards the college market, Tixelated can be used to crowdfund or donate, whichever the user prefers. A transaction platform with gamification aspects, Tixelated is the perfect solution to the $5 chuck in the bucket at frat parties. Biggest challenge? "Getting people to engage at the invite stage instead of at the event." Judge feedback? "Coupon advertisements could be extremely beneficial to the site!"
"Streamlining hospital operational practices by getting the patient from their first appointment at the physician's office to the hospital or surgical center on time." Pair saving money with an organization that has been around for decades and you have a winning idea. It's all about optimizing work flow management and discovering what can be altered in the system to produce more revenue. Could you add an operating room? Probably seeing as operating rooms only work at 68% capacity. Huge payback with healthcare growing in command. Biggest challenge? "Getting the space with hospital organizations. We have our first hospital partner and are currently in conversations with others." Judge feedback? "Constructive commentary on how much money can really be made in contrast to how much it will cost hospitals."
"An energy efficiency company that allows commercial buildings to save money," was the line to remember. Conveying Melon as a group of specialists in low hanging fruit, Isakow's impressive background and solid startup projection sold itself. Biggest challenge? "I have a fear of speaking in front of people" (best line I heard all night). "Really, getting customers who are interested in our product. My partner is still part time so he can't make the jump until we have funding. We are looking for angels. Judge feedback? "Though it's a crowded market because of the legislation that just came out, you stand out. Make sure you make a point to state which companies you have worked with. Dropping names can be helpful."
"Synthetic human protein drugs for respiratory diseases." Clarassance's 100% protection rate for babies insures unprecedented long term prevention. Biotech investments are scary for angels because of due diligence, but she confidently exclaimed that with Clarassance, investments would be well spent and secure. Biggest challenge? "Money." Judge feedback? "COPD is a big and growing issue, so it's a prominent market, but talk more about your background so we have a feel for what you bring to the table."
"Consumers are looking for value and holding out for the discounts. We keep it simple, save on time, and save you money." Classic Grocers is a web app constructed to fill a void in the grocery food planning tech space. With an abundance of confusing coupon sites, Classic Grocers will be unique from the rest with one place to find the best shopping deals. consumers enter their grocery list and zip code, click on find my sale, and discover the best priced stores. Biggest challenge? "Advisors. We are only a year into this." Judge feedback? "If you can make my husband do the shopping so that I don't, then I'm sold."
Overall, yesterday's Dolphin Tank was yet another success to add to Springboard Enterprise's list of community-driven forum programs. Can't wait to attend the next one!
