On Nov. 14, Bounce held its inaugural Startup Showcase where 15 companies from each of Bounce’s entrepreneurial programs were represented. Eight startups pitched to the audience of more than 100 community members, as well as potential investors and customers. The companies represent Bounce’s Technology Incubator program, Software Accelerator program, the MAGNET Iterator program and our GROW (Generating Real Opportunity and Wealth) program that focuses solely on non-tech startups.
Keynote speaker for the event was Aaron Christopher “A.C.” Evans, CEO and co-founder of Drips. Based in Akron, Drips is one of the nation’s fastest-growing SMS marketing platforms. A.C. treated the audience to a humorous retelling of how he finds balance in life as an entrepreneur and leader, husband and father and how we can all strive to “do more, do better and do right.”
Dan Hampu, COO of Fontus Blue, was the emcee for the night.
“A total of 15 companies were represented, whether pitching and/or tabling for attendees. We featured these particular companies because we feel they represent the range of entrepreneurial programming here at Bounce and they are all at successful stages in their businesses,” said Doug Weintraub, Bounce CEO. “This was our chance to showcase our companies and our programs for the community, as well as potential investors and customers. And I think it was a huge success.”
PITCHING:
Software Accelerator Cohort 2 graduates (early-stage software companies developing first products):
Dencar Technology: Digital solutions for car wash operators to enhance the sales experience, including point-of-sale integrated hardware, mobile and web capabilities; digital signage; and security/network management.
HomeFed: A software platform that connects gardeners with land-owners (targeting home-owners, in particular) who want fresh produce but don’t have the time or talent to garden. Laverena Weinclaw and Nick Crawford, co-founders
Backdraft: A consumer platform that uses bank cards as a rewards card and provides businesses with insight into their customers to assist with marketing and sales. Dakota Kincer, founder; Danielle Armbruster, COO
AdminAI: This company automates tedius administrative tasks such as inbound sales, invoicing, and scheduling for small business owners and solo entrepreneurs saving them time and money. Mike Lowden and Adam Jurica, co-founders
ShowCEO: A platform that simplifies the process of creating, managing, finding and entering horse shows – for organizers and riders – all in one place. Amanda Borlin, founder
Software Accelerator Cohort 1 graduate:
LIFTR.ai: AI-driven software solution that promotes automation, helping marketers build brand loyalty and drive customer experience; serves ads to ideal, customers, driving KPI growth and reducing cost per lead. Ted Troxell and Adam Miclot, co-founders
Technology Incubator company:
Roosense: RooSense develops fabric materials for monitoring health parameters on the surface of the skin; they are in the process of developing wearable fabric sensors for monitoring hydration in real-time. Hanieh Ghadimi, PhD and Chelsea Monty-Bromer, PhD, co-founders
GROW company (non-technology startup):
Honesty Healthcare LLC: Provide non-medical personal care services and support to people living in their homes, allowing them to preserve their independence and promoting their well-being. Tiffany Adjei, owner
TABLES ONLY
MAGNET Iterator:
WorkBarrow – Tony Milo, founder
GROW (Generating Real Opportunities and Wealth):
Alpha and Omega Community Center – Ann Davis, owner
Anika Ame Consultations – Anika Ame, owner
The Extra Daughter – Julie Katz, owner
Technology Incubator:
Consolidus – Jeff Jones, owner
Fontus Blue – Chris Miller Ph.D., PE, CEO