Lion’s Lair 2014 finalists announced
Hamilton, Ontario – 10 companies have been selected as finalists for LiON’S LAIR, a competition that offers finalists the chance to pitch their idea to a panel of industry judges—the “Lions”—and solicit over $100,000 in cash and in-kind resources.
“LiON’S LAIR is a fantastic opportunity for Innovation Factory and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to work closely with high-potential companies and reward them for their efforts in entrepreneurship,” stated Keanin Loomis, President and CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Hopeful participants submitted their business plans in April and each plan was evaluated based on the company’s product and commercial viability, ability to execute, and other factors by a panel of independent judges. The judge’s scores were tallied and this year’s top ten finalists are: ASTS, Formarum Inc., The Greenlid, Hangry Solutions Inc., QCumbr, Ranggo, Sound Options, Special Appucations, Tangobits, and VivaCity.
ASTS is a Canadian manufacturer of the RV Chandelier, a LED lighting system for pleasant interior illumination of recreational vehicles, selling directly to RV Manufacturers, RV dealers, and RV aftermarket distributors and dealers.
Formarum Inc. develops novel clean water technologies in an all-in-one self-monitoring device for disinfection of swimming pools and spas, selling to consumers and property managers.
The Greenlid is the first fully compostable organic waste container made from 100% end-of-life recycled pulp paper which eliminates the hassle of leaking plastic bags and compost messes.
Hangry Solutions allows consumers to pre-order and pay for their food or beverages through their smart phone app or web solution, which eliminates waiting in line to pay.
QCumbr provides consumers and health care providers with a way to manage expectations around walk-in clinic wait times through easy-to-use applications available on mobile devices and the web.
Ranggo is a social marketing platform that enables immediate customer feedback for the restaurant industry. The app rewards customers for rating specific menu items.
Sound Options offers customized, effective, and affordable sound therapy treatment for those suffering from Tinnitus, the constant ringing of the ears.
Special Appucations creates interactive educational products that allow children with special needs to learn, practice, and play in any setting. The products are designed using specialized instructional programming and are based on the science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
Tangobits is a mobile application that helps “For-Sale-by-Owners” create property listings using their mobile phones and publish on MLS, social media, and other listing services all at once.
VivaCity is an online service which allows homebuyers and real estate professionals to easily rank and compare houses and neighbourhoods based on their wants and needs.
“This year’s LiON’S LAIR finalists offer a fantastic representation of the diverse businesses we see across our ecosystem,” stated Dave Carter, Executive Director of Innovation Factory. “Over the summer we’ll take them through training sessions to strengthen their skills in pitching, developing a compelling narrative, and handling questions and objections; ultimately preparing them to face the Lions.”
This year’s “Lions” are: Carmela Trombetta (RBC Royal Bank), Blair McKeil (McKeil Marine), Mario Paron (KPMG), Jeff Paikin (New Horizon Homes), and Tonia Jahshan (Steeped Tea).
Each finalist will participate in a pitch session with the “Lions” which will include the entrepreneur’s pitch followed by a question period. The “Lions” ultimately decide which companies receive cash and in-kind service investments from participating sponsors.
The pitch sessions will be filmed at Cable 14 and will be shown at the LiON’S LAIR Gala on October 2, 2014 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre. The “Lions’” investment decisions will be revealed live on stage at the Gala.
For more information on the finalists please visit www.pitch-it.ca.
About Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
Representing over 1,000 businesses and institutions that employ more than 75,000 people in Hamilton, Ontario, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is the city’s 169 year-old voice of business and thought leader in commerce. In addition to helping provide solutions to the day-to-day challenges of its member businesses, the Hamilton Chamber provides leadership on city building initiatives that are designed to stimulate commerce and increase prosperity in the community. www.hamiltonchamber.ca
About Innovation Factory
Innovation Factory is the Regional Innovation Centre for Hamilton in the Ontario Network of Excellence, leveraging funding and support from all three levels of government and the city’s top private sector and institutional partners. Our goal is to stimulate economic activity in this city by helping Hamilton businesses embrace the principles of innovation. www.innovationfactory.ca
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For more information, contact:
Emily Kinread
Marketing & Communications Manager, Innovation Factory
905.667.2611 x233 | emily.kinread@innovationfactory.ca
Keanin Loomis
President & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
905.522.1151 x229 | k.loomis@hamiltonchamber.ca