TRAVERSE CITY — Four startups have been selected to compete in the TCNewTech pitch competition on Feb. 24 at the City Opera House in Traverse City, 20Fathoms announced.
The event runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature pitches from Vanly, Bullie, MeetingMaker and Automations Nirvana, the release said.
The companies will compete for a $5,000 first-place award, a $1,000 second-place award and a $500 audience favorite award.
Pitch presentations will be judged by a panel of local startup experts including Beth Cavanaugh, principal consultant and communications strategy director at TiER1 Performance, Brad Repke, senior associate at Breneman Advisors, Jen Szunko, co-owner at Discovery Cruises and Eric Warnaar, regional banking relationship manager at Huntington National Bank.
The audience will also vote on its favorite pitch.
Vanly is a marketplace focused on helping RV travelers book overnight parking near downtowns, events and local attractions, with hosts monetizing underused space such as lots, driveways and small business parking. The Vanly pitch will be presented by Matt Larson.
Bullie is an AI-powered productivity platform designed for people who feel overwhelmed, burned out and stuck, using natural conversation, behavioral memory and adaptive accountability. The Bullie pitch will be presented by Victoria Runstrom and Babak Khajeh.
MeetingMaker is a geolocation-based mobile app that allows people with substance use-related offenses to discreetly verify attendance for recovery meetings and other court-specific probation requirements, while providing courts with reporting to track compliance. The MeetingMaker pitch will be presented by Jodie Schanhals.
Automations Nirvana designs and implements AI automations for small and medium-sized businesses with a focus on AI voice applications, including use as receptionists, business support, lead qualification, booking appointments and scheduling. The Automations Nirvana pitch will be presented by Ben Montgomery.
The event will be moderated by Madison Meter. A startup expo will be held in the lobby of the City Opera House before and after the competition. The program will also include a presentation from Justin Gauthier on deterministic AI, and an afterparty at Identity Brewing.
The community is invited to attend, and there is no cost. Tickets can be reserved at 20Fathoms.org/TCNewTech.
TCNewTech is a program of 20Fathoms and a recurring pitch competition supported by tech enthusiasts, businesses and entrepreneurs. It was founded in 2015 to connect local tech professionals, and more than 250 companies have pitched since then, with nearly $50,000 in pitch prizes awarded.
TCNewTech is made possible through community partners including Presenting Partner Celly Health and Supporting Partners IncentMed IP, Grand Valley State University, RJG, Inc., Huntington Bank, MSUFCU, Aurora Patents and UpNorth HealthTech.
20Fathoms is a nonprofit startup incubator and resource center based in Traverse City serving Northwest Lower Michigan, working with entrepreneurs across stages and industries with a focus on technology-focused companies.