Innovative start-ups CASSIE, Green Light and Pocket Properties App are the Start Peninsula Winners of the first micro pitch event of 2021. CASSIE, a smart air filtration system, Green Light, a car trading platform, and Pocket Properties App, a platform for trading real estate shares, have each secured a chance to participate in the main pitch event in November. Their innovative solutions to significant problems, potential for exponential growth in terms of revenue generation and job creation, were the key reasons these start-ups were chosen as winners. As Start Peninsula winners, each start-up received $500 and a spot in the main pitch event where they stand to win $5,000 and access to local entrepreneurial resources.
Start Peninsula Micro Pitch Event Winners
From INSIDE BUSINESS By TREVOR METCALFE
Green Light founder Marouane Sadoq pitches his used car buying and trading platform during the first Start Peninsula micro pitch event of 2021 on March 18. (Trevor Metcalfe / The Virginian-Pilot)
Introduction
An innovative air filtration system, a car trading app, and a platform for buying and selling real estate shares are the latest winners of Start Peninsula’s first micro pitch event of 2021. As finalists, CASSIE, Green Light, and the Pocket Properties app each get the chance to participate in the main pitch event in November.
Problem Identification and Solutions
Each of them identified a significant problem they are trying to solve, said organizer Tim Ryan. “They also demonstrated to the judges they have a viable solution that would result in exponential growth in terms of revenue that can be generated or the number of jobs they can create,” Ryan, executive director of the StartWheel startup support organization, said in an email.
CASSIE, or Clean Air System Smart Intelligent Environment, is an air filter system that uses infrared radiation to detect and disinfect contaminants. Co-founder Eric Garrison pitched the system as a cheaper way for clients like school systems to upgrade their heating and air conditioning systems to protect students.
Green Light is a bidding platform that connects car owners looking to trade their vehicles and dealerships interested in buying cars. Founder Marouane Sadoq said during the event that every car sold on the platform would come with a detailed condition report, so buyers would know major repair issues beforehand.
Pocket Properties App allows users to buy and sell shares of real estate as a way to remove barriers to investing and building wealth in the industry. “By breaking real estate down into shares that can be purchased for as low as $10, we give everyone access to the market,” said CEO Chris Rumper at the event. Rumper said the app is simple enough for a day trader to use through curated and professionally managed properties.
Prizes and Future Events
The winners each received $500 and a spot at in the main pitch event on Nov. 3, when the stakes will be $5,000 and access to local entrepreneurial resources. Additional micro pitch events will be held on April 21, Sept. 15, and Oct. 6. The Start Peninsula pitch events are hosted by the city of Newport News and also sponsored by Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, York County, and James City County. In addition to the events, the organization offers workshops, mentors, and guidance to startups and entrepreneurs.
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@insidebiz.com
Question & Answer
1. What were the names of the three start-ups that won the Start Peninsula micro pitch event in 2021?
The three start-ups that won the Start Peninsula micro pitch event in 2021 were CASSIE, Green Light, and Pocket Properties App.
2. What innovative solutions did these start-ups present?
CASSIE presented a smart air filtration system, Green Light presented a car trading platform, and Pocket Properties App presented a platform for trading real estate shares.
3. What were the key reasons these start-ups were chosen as winners?
The key reasons these start-ups were chosen as winners were their innovative solutions to significant problems, potential for exponential growth in terms of revenue generation and job creation.
4. What prizes did the winners of the micro pitch event receive?
The winners of the micro pitch event each received $500 and a spot in the main pitch event where they stand to win $5,000 and access to local entrepreneurial resources.
