This week's Weekly Demo Day Rundown took me to the 2024 Startup Appalachia Pitch Competition, hosted by Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR).
With the region still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, I wanted to spotlight startups in the area to give investors a way to support the community and help it rebuild through entrepreneurship.
Six startups from the region pitched for the $10,000 grand prize! While there was only one winner, every startup received an investment and a Big Check.
Check out more about the event: bit.ly/startupappalachiapitch
- Aaron Floyd from
DAAD Distilling Co.
- Premium bourbon with a unique distillery experience.
- Stephen Prosser from Hazard Coffee Company - A specialty coffee shop and roastery. Using a data-driven approach, they offer high-quality coffee while creating a welcoming space dedicated to community.
- Cynthia Main from Sunhouse Craft - A sustainable artisan manufacturing business. Specializing in traditional craft techniques, Sunhouse Craft creates hand-made brooms and wooden wares, sourcing materials locally to support regional farmers and promote a thriving, local economy.
- Joana Amorim and Michael Beck from Sylvatica Forest Farm - A hub to educate the local and regional community on the importance of forest farming, herbalism and land stewardship within a long-term conservation mindset. Our practices are rooted in whole ecosystem health, land regeneration and climate smart solutions for diverse small-scale farms.
- ?? Winner ?? Eric Sparks from Complet3D - Your 3D printing partner specializing in 3D printer sales, service and maintenance, training and education, and grant writing. Our vision is to create awareness of additive capabilities, providing accessibility to all.
- Corey Shepherd, Abby Daniel, Claire Holbrook, and Rylyn Rayburn from Insight Emergency Solutions - A newly formed LLC dedicated to saving lives by the second. Helping to expedite the planning phase, we provide unprecedented 3D virtual structural models to first responders during emergencies. Our program offers a more intelligent deployment of manpower when times are at their most critical.
- Non-Tech Startups - While I typically focus on tech startups, this event was a great reminder that innovation happens across all industries.
- Giving Back - Something I have never seen before. Every startup highlighted how they’re giving back to their community during their pitch, with a dedicated slide built into their deck. Communities in Appalachia seem to thrive on this kind of mutual support, and it was clear that these entrepreneurs are deeply committed to making a real impact.
- Supportive Atmosphere - The event was laid-back, filled with jokes and a huge round of applause for each startup. It created a unique and encouraging environment.
- Big Checks - Just like in the movies, the investment was given in oversized checks, and I was jealous. Big Checks always work.
As a Data Recruiter, I’ve learned that while gut instinct is valuable, leaning on data makes decisions easier and more accurate. After seeing how the judges scored last week’s winner, I decided to maintain consistency by using the same criteria to determine where I would invest:
- Technology/Product - 9.1
- Founder and the team - 9.7
- Market Fit - 9.4
- Revenue Model - 9.1
?? Watch the full recording here.
