Do you Think Big? If so, we have the business pitch competition for you. If you're an entrepreneur, innovator or creator with the next big idea or high growth opportunity, Think Big Kansas City is hosting a competition to find the next big thing...and it could be from you!
Maybe you've seen ABC's hit reality TV show Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of investors in the hopes of winning major cash and a chance to achieve the American Dream. Well guess what? Think Big Kansas City is hosting a Shark Tank of our own – but with our own Kansas City twist.
We're calling it Pitch Big: "Shark Tank" Style.
If you think that you've got what it takes—drive, creativity, innovation, and a winning attitude—now is your chance to pitch your big idea to a VC panel of judges and win prizes made just for your startup!
Here's what to do:
- Submit your Pitch Big online application by May 17, 2011.
- Sit tight. We will be reviewing applications and choosing the top three finalists. The top three finalists for Pitch Big will be announced 3-5 days prior to Think Big Kansas City (TBKC is on May 24, 2011).
- Start prepping your pitch. The top three finalists for Pitch Big will present their big idea at Think Big Kansas City to our VC panel of judges and a live audience. In order to ensure that you're ready to blow the judges away, we will consult with you a few days before the competition for some pitch coaching.
- Although no deals will be made at the time of the competition, you will have the chance to hear constructive critiques from the panel of judges and participate in a question and answer session immediately following your pitch.
- Celebrate! One grand prize winner will be announced at the end of Pitch Big: "Shark Tank" Style. The grand prize winner will be awarded a package of killer prizes...and it could be you! Our first and second runner-ups will also receive dynamite prize packages from Think Big Partners and Think Big Kansas City sponsors and the chance to book private meetings with investors!
Pitch Big: Shark Tank Style details:
- Competitors must fill out the Pitch Big online application.
- The top three finalists will be announced 3-5 days prior to Think Big Kansas City (May 24, 2011).
- The top three finalists will pitch their ideas to a VC panel of judges from 3:45PM – 4:30PM on May 24, 2011 at Think Big Kansas City (Kansas City Convention Center) in front of a live crowd.
- Finalists will participate in a question and answer session with the VC panel of judges. Finalists will also receive constructive critiques from the judges immediately following the completion of their pitch.
- The audience will vote immediately following each pitch.
- Deals will not be done at the time of the competition, however, private meetings with investors may be rewarded. There will be one grand prize winner of Pitch Big: "Shark Tank" Style and two runner-ups. All three finalists will win prize packages from Think Big Partners and Think Big Kansas City sponsors.
- For a complete list of Pitch Big rules and regulations, click here.
VC Panel of Judges:
Rachael Qualls, Founder and CEO of Angel Capital Group
Chris Geisert, Vice President and Managing Director of TradeBot Ventures
Michael Gale, Managing Partner of Gramercy Private Equity
Sign Up:
Please download the two forms below and remit to Sarah Snyder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Subject Line: ATTN: Pitch Big.
