It's that time of year again.
Each year, The Vinetta Project's D.C. chapter gathers a group of up-and-coming women-led companies to compete for a $20,000 grand prize. The competition hosts two semifinal rounds where four startup founders pitch a panel of investors and founders for a chance to advance to the finals in September. At each semifinal, two finalists advance to the final round, and the winner receives $20,000 and one-on-one mentor meetings with judges.
The first semifinalist showcase will take place Wednesday, March 21. The second will happen in June.
In 2017, artificial intelligence and health tech startup Veda Data Solutions won the grand prize. Founded by Meghan Gaffney Buck and Bob Lindner, the company has since closed an $1 million bridge round and have raised more than $2 million to date, making Gaffney Buck one of the few D.C. women founders who have broken through the $1 million mark.
The first four semifinalists are listed below, with company descriptions pulled from the startup's website:
Crystal Icenhour, Aperiomics
"From a single test, Aperiomics' innovative technology can simultaneously test for all pathogens, whether bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite."
"In more simple terms, Aperiomics has combined genetic sequencing with computational power to give a quick answer even if you don’t know what the question should be."
Erin Janklow, Entrada
"Entrada's innovative TalkBack Method creates empowered, confident English speakers in 100, 30-minute daily lessons. Lessons are designed specifically for on-the-job acquisition."
Kelsey Lents, Hatch Workspace
"Hatch brings childcare to the co-work model. We provide premium licensed child care that fits your schedule."
Hatch Workplace also won the Ted Leonsis Entrepreneurship Prize at Georgetown University earlier in January.
Danya Sherman, KnoNap
"KnoNap is a detection device disguised as a napkin that detects specific rape drugs."
