The 2020 Start Peninsula Finalists have been announced after a competitive online micropitch event. The finalist companies are 4.0 Inventions, a company with a patent for a two-sided smartphone; AGENZ by TAO Agency, a talent acquisition platform; and Hottrok, a company that produces a performance-based tiling substrate that also serves as a radiant heat carrier. Barre by the Bay Round 2, a proposed infrared spin and fitness studio, has been designated as an alternate. Each of the Start Peninsula Finalists will receive a $500 prize and the chance to win $5,000 at the main pitch event on November 4th. They will also gain free access to local resources to support their business growth.
2020 Start Peninsula Finalists
The first set of finalists for the 2020 Start Peninsula were announced following an online micropitch competition. The finalists are 4.0 Inventions, Hottrok and AGENZ by TAO Agency. Barre by the Bay Round 2 was designated as an alternate.
- 4.0 Inventions has an intellectual patent for a new technology concept: the two- sided smartphone.
- AGENZ by TAO Agency is a talent acquisition platform that will allow individuals to find the best career opportunity for their skills.
- Hottrok is a performance-based tiling substrate that serves as a radiant heat carrier. It is the only substrate on the market that readily accepts warm wire and has both thermal and acoustic insulating properties.
- Barre by the Bay Round 2 will be a fully infrared spin and fitness studio with spin, barre, yoga, high-intensity interval training and boxing.
Prizes and Next Steps
Each finalist will receive a $500 prize and allowed to participate in the Wednesday, Nov. 4 main pitch event where they will have a chance to win $5,000 to support their business growth and they will also have free access to local resources. If a finalist is a winner on Nov. 4, they will forgo their $500 prize.
The next Start Peninsula micropitch competition will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Early stage businesses are invited to apply to participate. There will be a workshop on how to perfect your pitch on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
Judges
- Rachel Frazier, William & Mary
- Jeff Johnson, Tech Center Research Park
- Blake Luse, Ferguson Ventures
About Start Peninsula
Start Peninsula builds entrepreneurship on the Peninsula and celebrates our local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event helps develop early stage businesses – those with a product or service that is still being brought to fruition and connects those entrepreneurs with opportunities to validate their business ideas and earn capital. Dozens of entrepreneurs connect with business leaders and mentors during Start Peninsula. The event is backed by six regional Economic Development Authorities, who are eager to support entrepreneurship.
Start Peninsula 2020 is hosted by the James City County, in partnership with the Cities of Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg and Poquoson, and York County. For more information about Start Peninsula please visit its website, Facebook page or the FAQ page.
Question & Answer
1. Which companies are the finalists for the 2020 Start Peninsula?
4.0 Inventions, AGENZ by TAO Agency, and Hottrok are the finalists for the 2020 Start Peninsula. Barre by the Bay Round 2 is designated as an alternate.
2. What is the unique concept behind 4.0 Inventions?
4.0 Inventions has a patent for a two-sided smartphone, which is their unique technology concept.
3. What is the focus of AGENZ by TAO Agency?
AGENZ by TAO Agency is a talent acquisition platform that helps individuals find the best career opportunities based on their skills.
4. What is the product offered by Hottrok?
Hottrok offers a performance-based tiling substrate that serves as a radiant heat carrier, providing both thermal and acoustic insulating properties.
