Tech startups win big at Ralph Sampson's Pitchfest by PUMA and SeventySix Capital
HOUSTON, TX – Being an entrepreneur means that at some point you’re going to face competition. But what if facing that competition meant that you could win $20,000 for your startup on the rise?
That was the opportunity for participants of “Ralph Sampson’s Pitchfest” presented by SeventySix Capital and PUMA last week. Six finalists were selected to present to the following judges:
Ralph Sampson, Basketball Hall of Famer and SeventySix Capital Athlete Venture Group Member
Chad Stender, Managing Director of SeventySix Capital
Matthew Growney, Head of Special Projects for PUMA
God Shammgod, Dallas Mavericks coach
Kiotti, rapper and radio personality
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
““Thank you to everyone in Houston for the love and support at our Pitchfest competition. It was incredible to see entrepreneurship and sports tech thriving in my city.””
Chad Stender, Ralph Sampson, and Jessica David (SeventySix Capital)
The following finalists were selected to pitch their innovative business ideas related to sports, technology, and community for a chance to take home the grand prize of $20,000:
Mike Tauiliili Brown of Win-Win
Jason Robinson of Playbook Five
Aaron Holland of Season Share
Isis Ashford of Xplosion Technology
Jared Steffes of Muxy
Austin Smith of Mission Control GG
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
Though the talent was abound between all finalists, the winning prizes were awarded to Season Share in 3rd ($5,000), Playbook Five in 2nd ($10,000), and Win-Win in 1st for the grand prize of $20,000. After the winners were declared, we asked them about their experience and their thoughts on what was ahead for them.
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
Mike T. Brown, Win-Win
What was your initial reaction to finding out that you won at Pitchfest?
I was elated! It felt great to finish in 1st place amongst a great batch of companies all doing amazing work within the sports tech sector. I'm honored to have had Ralph Sampson, Matt Growney, Kiotti, Chad Stender, and Shammgod all believe in what we're doing at Win-Win. Lastly, to win in front of a hometown crowd that included my mom, dad, and close friends meant a lot to me since I've been based in Silicon Valley the last 5 years!
What are your aspirations for the future with your prize earnings?
We'll be using the $20K non-dilutive capital to continue our growth efforts with new hires ahead of the NFL 2019 Season!
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
Jason Robinson, Playbook Five
What was your initial reaction to finding out that you won at Pitchfest?
It's hard to put words to the excitement I had for our team when Ralph Sampson announced us at the 2nd Place award recipient. Hearing Playbook Five announced on the mic gave further validation to the problem we are solving for athletes around the world. Having people like Chad Stender (SeventySix Capital), Matthew Growney, (PUMA), and Ralph Sampson (PUMA) helped make this a very comfortable pitch. All of the judges share a deep passion and understanding of the world of sport and it was evident in their focus and attentiveness during the pitch. They also provided some great advice and feedback following the pitch that will help us on your journey.
What are your aspirations for the future with your prize earnings?
Growth and scale. With the prize earnings we will be able to spread the word of brand and continuing helping athletes experience their sport. It's an exciting time for Playbook Five right now, and the prize money awarded by Puma and SeventySix has poured some fuel on our flame. We have already seen an increased interest in Playbook Five as a result of participating in the Pitchfest.
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
Aaron Holland, Season Share
What was your initial reaction to finding out that you won at Pitchfest?
I was excited to hear our name called. I was really impressed with the other companies that pitched, so it was great to be amongst the winners. Although we have won several pitch competitions, we have never walked away with a big check. Not only did we get a big check, but Ralph signed it, which made it that much more awesome. The check is hanging up in our office right now.
What are your aspirations for the future with your prize earnings?
Given our current stage, all prize earnings will go towards business development. Running an early stage company requires capital, and every dollar raised helps us get closer to our goal of making season tickets accessible to the next generation of fans.
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
““PUMA was excited to celebrate Ralph Sampson’s Basketball legacy with the release of his OG-influenced Majesty shoe.
Designing a Pitchfest around Ralph’s current passion for entrepreneurship was even more special as we met entrepreneurs from all over the country that are building impactful new businesses around their love for sports and community.””