FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                           Media Contact: Shakir Johnson

March 22, 2024                                            757-597-2840 ext409; johnsonsd@nnva.gov

Start Peninsula’s First Wave of 2024 Finalists Sets the Stage for Entrepreneurial Brilliance

In a remarkable showcase of entrepreneurial spirit, Start Peninsula 2024 unveiled its first set of finalists on March 20th, following a highly competitive and inspiring online Micro Pitch competition. This year’s spotlight shines on HerculE-Q, Our Brand Media, and VroomBrick, three ventures that promise to redefine their respective industries with groundbreaking solutions and services.

  • HerculE-Q emerges as a game-changer in the realm of micro-mobility, offering fleets of convenient transportation options, including disability scooters equipped with touch-free, automated charging systems. This innovation tackles the challenges of existing charging infrastructures and propels efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainability to new heights.
  • Our Brand Media takes the creative world by storm, establishing a multi-distribution video platform that welcomes all content creators. This streaming channel promises to democratize content creation, offering a stage for diverse voices and visions to be heard and seen.
  • VroomBrick is revolutionizing the real estate industry by demystifying the home buying and selling process. With a user-friendly platform that provides step-by-step guidance, VroomBrick empowers individuals to navigate real estate transactions confidently, potentially saving thousands in the process.

These trailblazers are not just competing for the limelight; they are vying for a chance to win $5,000 to fuel their business growth, along with free access to invaluable local resources. The journey toward innovation continues at the Championship Pitch event on November 6th, where dreams and ideas will collide in the pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence.

Start Peninsula is not just an event; it’s a testament to the vibrant startup ecosystem thriving in Hampton Roads. With the next Micro Pitch competition slated for May 15th, and subsequent pitches in September and October, the platform remains open for early-stage businesses ready to make their mark.

Esteemed judges included Beau Turner of 757 Makerspace, Chris Davidson of Orca Strategies, and Karen Miller of NASA Langley Research Center. They lent their expertise, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the Start Peninsula.

Hosted by Newport News in partnership with the Cities of Hampton, Williamsburg, Poquoson, and the counties of James City and York, Start Peninsula has been a cornerstone of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region since its inception in 2012. For more information, visit the Start Peninsula website and explore the FAQs to see how this platform is sculpting the future of business in Hampton Roads.

As Start Peninsula gears up for its next phases, the Hampton Roads community watches eagerly, ready to support and celebrate the next generation of innovators who are set to leave an indelible mark on the world.

For more information about Start Peninsula or to apply to pitch, please visit its website, or the FAQ page. Download a copy of the press release here.

###