The Launchpad Expo series is Venture Mechanics’ signature venture conference, showcasing startups from a range of verticals—AI, ClimateTech, Aerospace/Drone, Consumer/CPG, FinTech, Manufacturing Automation, Health Sciences, DefenseTech, AgTech/FireTech, Web3, PropTech, InsureTech, EdTech, and more.
Each Launchpad Expo features 10 presenting startups selected by sector experts. Five first-round presenting companies will each receive 28 minutes on stage - 12 minutes to pitch, 8 minutes of judges Q&A, and 8 minutes of audience Q&A - plus a dedicated demo table at the afterparty. Another five, second-round of companies will each present a shorter 3-minute pitch with 3 minutes of Q&A, and also receive their own demo table at the afterparty.
Selection Process for Presenting Companies:
- Startups may begin applying two months prior to the event date, with a deadline of 4 weeks prior to the event date.
- Judges with expertise in the sector will select 5 first round and 5 second round presenting companies two to three weeks before the event date.
- In the final 2-3 weeks the judges and our staff will work with the presenting companies to perfect their pitches.
Day of Event Agenda:
- Doors open at 1:00pm for check-in. The audience is comprised primarily of accredited early-stage investors.
- The official program begins at 2:00pm with the conference chair introducing a discussion panel or keynote speaker.
- Starting at 2:30 pm, 1st-round finalists will have 30-min on stage: 12-min pitch, 8-min Q&A with the judges, 8-min Q&A with the audience.
- At the end of the presentations there will be a digital crowd vote for best presentation, and sponsored prizes will be awarded.
- Afterwards, the 2nd-round finalists will have 3 minutes to present, with 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges.
- The event will wrap with a lively afterparty, during which time investors will be able to visit with all ten finalists at their demo tables.
- Light dinner and adult beverages will be served.
Feb 25, 2025
Join us for this unique event in Seattle's venture-scale startup scene.
The Launchpad Expo series runs approximately ten times per year, each time devoted to a specific industry vertical. This particular Launchpad Expo event is a reflection of the sea change that has occurred in this sector, in the Pacific Northwest region. An estimated 20% of angel investments have gone into Consumer and CPG companies in the past two years, marking the first time that this sector has been placed "on the map" for locally-based investors. While Seattle is still dominated by tech, aerospace, and life sciences, Consumer and CPG have finally come into their own.
In this second edition of the event for Consumer & CPG (the first was held on Sept 26, 2024), ten highly-vetted startups in the sector will be presenting to an expert investor panel and an audience of accredited investors. This conference is for early stage (pre-seed, seed and Series A) private and institutional investors.
Schedule
1:00-1:30 PM Registration
1:30-1:45 PM Conference Opening and Introductions
Ron Wiener, Chief Mechanic @ Venture Mechanics
Greta Remington, CMO @ Venture Mechanics
1:45 - 2:30 PM Keynote Speaker
Fireside Chat with Debi Goldman, Executive Director, Naturally Seattle Debi has 20+ years of experience in leadership positions for domestic and international consumer companies.
First Round Presentations
Judges:
Sarah Makar: Co-Chair of the consumer sector for Alliance of Angels, Sarah is a market leader and strategic advisor on branding, growth, and go-to-market whose experiences include Expedia and Zillow.
Andrea Joseph: CEO/Founder of JAR3E Investments, a MicroVC specializing in AI and Quantum based tech disrupting incuments. Andrea is an investor, technology strategy consultant, and innovation enthusiast.
First Round Presentations
Five highly-vetted Consumer/CPG startups will compete for top spot. Each of the companies will have 12 minutes to pitch, followed by 8 minutes of Q&A with the investor panel, and 8 minutes of Q&A with LPs in the audience.
2:35 - 3:05 Zesty, marketplace connecting consumers to bakers
3:05 - 3:35 NewGem Foods, healthy wraps made from fruit and vegetables
-- Break --
3:50 - 4:20 goEzz, safe transportation services for children 5 to 17
4:20 - 4:50 Goose Insurance, offering accessible and affordable insurance products via app
4:50 - 5:20 Tactical Affairs, realistic shooting experiences for entertainment that put you in the game
5:20 - 5:30 Judges award Best Investment Opportunity
-- Break —
Second Round Presentations
Five highly-vetted Consumer/CPG startups that are earlier in stage will each present to draw investors to their tables immediately after the stage portion of the event. Each of the companies will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the investor panel.
5:45 - 5:51 Talkback Snacks, snacks inspired by global culinary traditions
5:52 - 5:58 Chekd, healthcare monitoring
5:59 - 6:05 REarthable, biodegradable plastic alternative
6:06 - 6:12 Haldi, ayurvedic skincare
6:13 - 6:19 Company 10: TBA
6:20 - 6:30 Closing Remarks
Afterparty
Investors and founders can visit together at the companies' demo tables in the Embraer Room, while a light dinner and adult beverages are served.
Details
Parking is always free and easy at Venture Mechanics. Please arrive by 1PM. On-stage portion of the event runs from 1:30 to 6:30 PM with breaks. Light dinner and adult beverages will be served at 6:30pm. Guests are welcome to stay until 8:30 to visit with the startup founders at their respective demo tables.We look forward to seeing you there!
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