This Week in Startups - Episode 1999

In this edition, I discovered a new Startup Pitch Competition, This Week in Startups hosted by Jason Calacanis . This particular pitch competition was from Episode 1999 on August 28th.

The format was fast-paced, with three founders each getting two minutes to pitch their companies to Jason. Afterward, Jason followed up with questions and advice on ways each startup could advance strategically.

While the goal was to award the winner a $25K investment, the ideas all hit home so all three founders got an investment!

Check out the full This Week in Startups library here.

Pitching Founders

Eric Gilbert-Williams from The Public Bored

• We're on a mission to revolutionize digital billboards and create more engaging city spaces.

Matt Schwed from Speed AI

• Personalized training plans for your next race.

Joe Tannorella from Pod Engine

• The All-In-One Podcast Audio Intelligence Platform.

Key Takeaways

What does an investor look for: Builder founders and product velocity.

AI: The question I always have and one Jason brought up, how do you know you have good AI?

Founder Q&A: In a rare opportunity, each founder got to ask Jason a question. It isn't often you get an opportunity to receive advice from an investor and they made the most of it. This not only helped the founders, but it gave me a new lens on how an investor can quickly evaluate and advise a company.

Investment

💰 The Public Bored 💰

My heart always wants me to invest in any company that helps runners, but since I've never paid for a running app, my brain led me to go another way.

My Scoring: 42/50

• Technology/Product: 8.5/10
• Founder and Team: 9/10
• Market Fit: 9/10
• Revenue Model: 7.5/10
• Pitch: 8/10

🎥 Watch the full recording here.