The Start Peninsula finalists for 2021 were announced following an online Micro Pitch Competition. The three finalists, Bonilla Pet Studio, LetsVidya, and NerdFlex, are among ten pitchers who participated in the competition. Bonilla Pet Studio is a pet-focused photo studio, LetsVidya helps organizations maintain relational connections with teams and clients during socially-limited times, and NerdFlex aims to dispel the negative stereotype that “nerds” lack interest in health and fitness. Each finalist will receive a $500 prize and the chance to win $5,000 to support their business growth at the Main Pitch Event on November 3rd. Start Peninsula 2021 is an annual event, hosted this year by the City of Newport News, along with several partnering cities and counties.
2021 Start Peninsula Finalists Announcement
Last night, the third set of finalists for the 2021 Start Peninsula was announced following an online Micro Pitch Competition. The finalists were Bonilla Pet Studio, LetsVidya, and NerdFlex. In total, ten pitchers participated.
- Bonilla Pet Studio is a photo studio for pets. Now there is something better than just cell phone images or normal photography studios that are not comfortable for most pets and their families.
- LetsVidya is a way for organizations to connect relationally with their teams and clients, at a time when meaningful social interactions are limited and challenging because people can’t meet face to face.
- NerdFlex is a program that eliminates the negative stigma that “nerds” have no interest in being healthy or fit. NerdFlex targets Comic cons and other huge mainstream events that sell out arenas with a focus on fitness and health options.
Prizes and Upcoming Events
Each finalist will receive a $500 prize and the chance to participate in the Wednesday, November 3rd Main Pitch Event where they will have an opportunity to win $5,000 to support their business growth and continuing access to local resources.
The next Start Peninsula Micro Pitch Competition will be held on Wednesday, October 6th. Early-stage businesses are invited to apply to participate. The main pitch event will feature last night’s winners as well as six companies that are already qualified to participate: C.A.S.S.I.E., EWedded, eZverifi, Green Light Auctions, Pocket Properties App, and Spellcross.
Judges
- Rachel Fraizer, Associate Director of Miller Entrepreneur Center
- Blake Luse, Managing Director, Ferguson Ventures
- Will Turner, Sr Vice President at Wells Fargo
About Start Peninsula 2021
Start Peninsula 2021 is hosted by the City of Newport News, in partnership with the Cities of Hampton, Williamsburg and Poquoson, and the Counties of James City and York. Start Peninsula has been held annually in different Peninsula localities since 2012. For more information about Start Peninsula please visit its website, Facebook page, or the FAQ page.
Download the press release here
Question & Answer
1. Who are the three finalists for the 2021 Start Peninsula?
The three finalists for the 2021 Start Peninsula are Bonilla Pet Studio, LetsVidya, and NerdFlex.
2. What is Bonilla Pet Studio?
Bonilla Pet Studio is a pet-focused photo studio that provides a comfortable environment for pets and their families to capture special moments.
3. What is LetsVidya?
LetsVidya is a platform that helps organizations maintain relational connections with teams and clients during socially-limited times.
4. What is NerdFlex?
NerdFlex is a program that aims to dispel the negative stereotype that “nerds” lack interest in health and fitness by focusing on fitness and health options at mainstream events.
