Connecticut Innovations recently announced the launch of the first-round application period for VentureClash 2019. The global venture challenge is designed to attract early-stage digital health, financial technology (FinTech), insurance technology (InsurTech), and Industry 4.0 companies to Connecticut.
AWARDS
The entire investment award pool is $5 million, with a top investment award of $1.5 million. The remaining $3.5 million will be determined by the judges’ panel on the day of the event.
APPLICATION
The VentureClash challenge launched the first-round application on February 1, 2010. Companies will have until June 7, 2019, to submit the first-round application. After two rounds of judging, approximately 10 companies will be invited to the finals event in Connecticut to compete in person for investment awards. An outside panel of judges will help to determine the winning VentureClash 2019 companies.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply, a company must:
- Have been in business for at least 12 months
- Have paying customers or customers who are actively testing the applicant’s product
- Have a compelling business reason to create a Connecticut presence, which applies to domestic and international applicants
- Be focused in digital health, FinTech), InsurTech, or Industry 4.0 (including sustainable materials and resources)
In addition to the annual pitch event, VentureClash will be hosting a pitch competition in Tel Aviv on Thursday, May 23, 2019. The event will invite promising companies from Israel to compete for a $500,000 investment from Connecticut Innovations, a semifinalist spot in VentureClash 2019 and a $5,000 grant to visit Connecticut in August. To apply for the Tel Aviv pitch competition, companies must submit applications by Friday, March 15, 2019.
“There is a dense concentration of fast-growing startups in Tel Aviv,” said Connecticut Innovations CEO Matt McCooe. “Over the past few years, many Israeli companies have competed in our semifinals and finals rounds. This year, we are taking VentureClash to Israel to meet companies that are ready to expand to the United States.”
For more information about qualifications, requirements, guidelines, and application, visit www.ventureclash.com.
About VentureClash
Managed by Connecticut Innovations, VentureClash is Connecticut’s global venture challenge focused on early-stage companies. The challenge, launched in 2016, identifies high-potential companies in digital health, IoT, InsureTech and FinTech that will compete for investments from a $5 million award pool.
About Connecticut Innovations
Connecticut Innovations provides financing and ongoing support for Connecticut’s innovative, growing companies. Connecticut Innovations provides venture capital and strategic support for early-stage technology companies; financial support for innovation and collaboration; and connections to its well-established network of partners and professionals. For more information, visit www.ctinnovations.com.
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