10 Finalists to Pitch for Bucks Built Spring 2022 Funding Round
Ten innovative, early-stage startups with high growth potential will pitch for funding in the upcoming cohort of the Bucks Built Startup Fund.
Following the pitches, scheduled for June 29th and 30th, five recipients will be selected to each receive a $25,000 investment funded by the Bucks County Industrial Authority and 12 months of advisory support. Also this round, a total of $20,000 in grants funded by Penn Community Bank will be awarded to at least three non-recipient finalists.
The 10 finalists were selected from the most competitive field since the inauguration of the Bucks Built Startup Fund. Of the over 100 applications received, an impressive 9 of 10 met the program’s preliminary gating criteria.
AccuTennis // Using computer vision to monetize data for racquet sports.
AWSM Sauce // Sustainable sauce and condiments.
BioVeras // Collection and verification of clinical trial data utilizing blockchain for quicker launch of life-saving treatments.
Forge // Contact manager that helps sales professionals increase conversions by building genuine trust with clients.
Measure Studio // Helping publishers and content creators deploy a data driven content strategy by providing AI powered social media analytics.
Sage SEO // Smart SEO tools for small businesses and startups to write, publish, and measure their content marketing strategies.
Saint Rocco’s Treats // Fostering transparency in the dog treats and food industry.
THRIVV // Science-based company focused on hair growth and post procedure skincare.
Vital Start // Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders using virtual reality.
Xenoil // Mitigating carbon footprint by re-manufacturing plastics for 3D printing.
During the two half-day pitch sessions, the 10 finalists will be evaluated by a screening panel of investors, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and others with an interest in promoting the startup ecosystem in Bucks County. In the weeks leading up to their pitches, all finalists receive preparation with the Bucks Built team. All applicants that did not advance to the final round also have the opportunity to meet with a Bucks Built team member to ask questions, receive feedback, and receive suggestions of other resources and programming to support their businesses.
This round’s Screening Panel:
Alex Herrity - Cofounder Anima, Angel investor
Isabelle Kent - Executive Director at Philly Startup Leaders
James C. Li - SVP Commercial & Industrial Lending, Penn Community Bank
Jonathon Beschen - Investment Director for Ben Franklin
Katherine O’Neill - Angel Investor
Mumbi Dunjwa - Founder & CEO, Naturaz
TJ Lonergan - Deputy Executive Director at Bucks County IDA
The five investment recipients and grant awardees will be selected and announced the week of July 11th. Startups that are interested in applying for future funding rounds of Bucks Built are encouraged to complete an early interest form.
Keep up to date with startup news by subscribing to updates from Startup Bucks and connect with the Bucks County startup community every Wednesday at 9am ET on Zoom during the weekly entrepreneur forum, Founder's 30 by Startup Bucks.
Want to learn more? Head to bucksbuilt.com for program details and criteria.
Questions or Inquiries? Email scout@startupbucks.org
