By Tim Ryan

The stage is set, and the energy is palpable. Hampton Roads is ready for the much-anticipated 2024 Start Peninsula Championship event, where 12 groundbreaking startups will compete to showcase the very best of local innovation. Taking place on November 6th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Zoom, this is the moment where talent meets opportunity, and you can be part of it too—register here to watch for free: Start Peninsula Championship.

Start Peninsula’s pitch competitions have brought together incredible minds, and this year’s lineup is no exception. Entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, ranging from technology to lifestyle products, have emerged victorious from preliminary Micro Pitch rounds, earning their spot at the grand stage. Let’s take a closer look at these inspiring contenders:

From Micro Pitch 1:

  • HerculE-Q: Enhancing micro-mobility with automated charging systems for transportation fleets, focusing on convenience, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Our Brand Media: A multi-distribution video platform for content creators, offering a democratized digital streaming channel to empower diverse voices.
  • VroomBrick: Simplifying the home buying and selling process with an intuitive platform that provides a step-by-step guide for real estate transactions.

From Micro Pitch 2:

  • Growables: Simplifying the process of caring for houseplants with a kit that includes soil, fertilizer, and easy instructions—ensuring a hassle-free green thumb experience.
  • LOCKGREEN: Secure stash boxes for cannabis consumers, offering smell-proof, combination-locked safety to protect from children and pets, while preventing legal issues during travel.
  • VIX: AI-powered personal training in your pocket—VIX uses your phone’s camera to track workout form, provide real-time feedback, and gamify fitness to keep users motivated.

From Micro Pitch 3:

  • B & C’s Gloves: Offering a 2-in-1 glove and fish scaler, providing a faster, safer way to descale fish while protecting hands.
  • Seed Sisters: Nutritious bars designed to manage hormonal imbalances for women, using the all-natural practice of seed cycling—a holistic approach to wellness.
  • Style Magnet: A web-based styling platform that curates personalized outfits from multiple retailers based on body shape and style, simplifying online shopping.

From Micro Pitch 4:

  • Archetype Braces | Voyage LLC: Revolutionizing knee braces with a design that mimics natural movement, offering better mobility and comfort for individuals with knee issues. This innovation exemplifies the kind of ingenuity that Innovate Hampton Roads aims to nurture.
  • Romulus Media: Transforming collegiate marketing by leveraging a network of over 700 student marketers and brand ambassadors. Romulus connects top brands like Samsung and Tinder with college audiences while offering students valuable marketing experience—helping build a talent pipeline that directly aligns with our mission.
  • Scribble: A literary platform that connects authors, readers, and publishing resources, giving undiscovered talent a space to shine. Scribble fosters a dynamic literary community, emphasizing creativity and inclusivity.

The Championship Pitch event is not just a competition—it’s an opportunity to witness the future of innovation unfold before our eyes. Each startup will have just three minutes to pitch their idea, followed by a two-minute Q&A with the judges. Among the five expert judges are startup veterans, a patent attorney, and venture capital representatives who will bring their diverse perspectives to evaluate each business idea.

Adding to the excitement, the keynote speaker for the event will be Tahjere Lewis, a 2022 Start Peninsula winner and founder of Aunt Carol’s Sauce, a startup that has since flourished. Tahjere’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of the Start Peninsula experience, and his story will undoubtedly inspire this year’s finalists.

The competition is fierce, the ideas are bold, and the stakes are high. Join us for this celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship—and be inspired by the incredible talent shaping the future of Hampton Roads.

Focus Key Phrase: Start Peninsula Championship 2024

Meta Description: Get ready for the 2024 Start Peninsula Championship! Witness 12 groundbreaking startups compete, pitching their innovative ideas on November 6th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Zoom. Register to watch for free!