In a dramatic twist of entrepreneurial fate, Alisha Vincent experienced a profound revelation about her startup ambitions in just one night at the Startup Pitch Night organized by Startup Sioux Falls. Initially charting a path for her venture, Desty—a travel tech company focusing on the fusion of artificial intelligence and human intuition for seamless travel experiences—she soon found that the trajectory was set to veer in a completely different direction.
Reflecting on that pivotal event, Vincent remarked, “We conducted a pitch following our inaugural CO.STARTERS group, and it marked a transformative moment for us. Until then, we had envisioned Desty as a business-to-consumer entity, or B2C, but the invaluable insights we garnered prompted a radical reassessment of our product-market dynamics and revenue strategies. As a result, we underwent a comprehensive pivot towards a business-to-business (B2B) model tailored for professional travel planners.”
This year’s Startup Pitch Night is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on December 12, held in the vibrant third-floor event venue at Cherapa Place, nestled between its two office edifices. This iteration promises to be an electrifying affair, spotlighting four tech startups and four traditional enterprises as they unveil their innovative concepts, each vying for a coveted $5,000 cash prize in their respective categories. Additional rewards await the runners-up, varying from $250 to $750.
In this lively ecosystem, nearly 100 attendees will observe these spirited entrepreneurs pitch their business visions, all while gearing up for the Governor’s Giant Vision Competition in February, where they will contend for substantial cash prizes of up to $20,000. “We’re thrilled to broaden the scope of Startup Pitch Night, making it more inclusive for the broader entrepreneurial community,” expressed Jeff Hayward, the programming director for Startup Sioux Falls. He underscored the meticulous selection of competitors, emphasizing the enhanced support and resources offered leading up to the event.
The application process consists of three clear steps, with submissions due by October 31. Vincent recalled how the previous pitch event not only set the groundwork for Desty’s shift but also adequately prepared her for the Governor’s competition, which also provided critical feedback. “Both initiatives excel in recruiting seasoned judges who have successfully launched and scaled businesses. Their insights and follow-up dialogues proved incredibly beneficial,” she stated.
Listening to past awardees share their journeys at the Giant Vision event was equally inspiring, compelling Vincent and her co-founder Rajesh Kavasseri as they prepare to roll out their product. “Participating in a pitch event is invaluable—it compels you to clarify your business model and brand identity,” she advised. “I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the pitch process, regardless of whether you seek investment. Crafting compelling narratives about your enterprise will fortify it in the long run.”
Tom Eitreim, the executive director of the South Dakota Enterprise Institute, echoed Vincent’s sentiments. He described Pitch Night as a critical platform for entrepreneurs to succinctly promote their business concepts to a vibrant startup ecosystem. “The feedback and coaching from these events are essential to maintaining momentum and might lead to essential adjustments in their strategic approach,” he asserted.
Feige, a veteran facilitant of software business accelerators at Startup Sioux Falls, plans to lend his support from the audience come December. “Pitch Night stands out as one of my favorite collision events—it brings together investors and community supporters, fostering connections that can propel businesses long after the pitches conclude,” he shared.
“Transitioning from ideation to establishing paying customers is a challenging and often isolating endeavor for founders,” he lamented. But the pitch process serves as an essential catalyst, prompting entrepreneurs to refine their focus on the critical elements that underpin their success. “Articulating ideas and seeking assistance allows founders to gain invaluable insights about their venture,” Feige explained.
With just 100 coveted tickets up for grabs, potential attendees should reserve their spots promptly. Investors will discover promising startups, entrepreneurs will glean insights from polished presentations, and community supporters can contribute to cultivating a robust culture of innovation.
For anyone invested in the entrepreneurship landscape, this is an unmissable opportunity that promises to instill inspiration and foster invaluable connections.
