John Neis, Jan Eddy among judges for Elevator Pitch Olympics

John Neis, Jan Eddy among judges for Elevator Pitch Olympics

Madison, Wis. – Eight investors, including Venture Investors’ John Neis and the Phenomenelle Angels’ Jan Eddy, will judge the fourth annual “Elevator Pitch Olympics,” to be held Nov. 6 during the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium at Madison’s Monona Terrace.
The Elevator Pitch Olympics, a term that describes a pitch that’s short enough to be given during an elevator ride, allows Wisconsin entrepreneurs to make 90-second presentations to a panel of investor judges reveal their scores on the spot. Immediately afterwards, presenters will get constructive feedback from judges that are seasoned investors.
In addition to Neis and Eddy, the judges include: George Emont, Triathlon Medical Ventures; Gregg Fergus, Baird Venture Partners; James Koliarz, Midwest Venture Partners; Dick Leazer, Wisconsin Investment Partners; Bob Okabe, RPX Partners; and Jason Smith, Peak Ridge Capital.
Up to 20 companies will present. During the 90 seconds, participants will quickly cover the highlights of their business plan or idea, including the product or service and the problem it solves, customer needs, market size and how the company intends to sell to that market, and how will investors in the business make money.
The symposium also features nationally known speakers, more than a dozen panel discussions, and a look back at the founding of University Research Park.
The conference is produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and its partners and sponsors.