Applications now being accepted for the business development focused event
Following a successful event last November, Roanoke Star Tank has announced a new mid-year event, Star Tank Tip-Off on May 14, 2015, inside the CoLab on Grandin Road.
Star Tank’s marquee event will continue to be held in November, however, organizers wanted to develop a semi-annual event focused on business development that allows start-ups, inventors and entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their pitch and receive feedback from this region’s corporate stars and business development experts. Additionally, Star Tank Tip-Off gives presenters the opportunity to pitch and perfect their proposals prior to the marquee Star Tank event this fall.
“We developed Roanoke Star Tank to generate positive economic momentum, create new jobs and have a positive impact in our community,” Star Tank Creator, Christopher Desimone, said. “After all of the feedback and interest we received following last year’s inaugural event, we realized the need for a Tip-Off event focused on helping innovators in the region improve the quality of their pitches and business plans was absolutely necessary.”
During the first annual Roanoke Star Tank held November 6, 2014, nearly 100 local inventors and businesspeople applied and 34 had the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of 13 prominent, local business investors. The “tank” of investors heard a wide range of business plans focused on everything from energy drinks to a crossbow kit for people with physical disabilities. Participants requested amounts ranging from $1,000 to $4.5 million. Five deals were made during the event and follow-ups are ongoing.
“After witnessing the impact of the first inaugural event last year, we are thrilled to host Star Tank Tip-Off,” Ariel Lev, Grandin CoLab Director, said. “The purpose of the CoLab is to serve as a regional hub for business development, and this event truly embodies those objectives.”
Although Star Tank Tip-Off is focused on pitch review and business development, a number of Tank investors will be present during the presentations, and deals are not out of the question.
Applicants are not required to participate in Star Tank Tip-Off in May to be eligible for Roanoke Star Tank 2015 this fall. Tip-Off is simply an opportunity to receive feedback and advice.
Those interested in submitting an application should visit www.RoanokeStarTank.com to register online.
