Start Peninsula celebrated yet another successful milestone on October 9th with the conclusion of Micro Pitch #4, an event that not only highlighted innovation but also reinforced its significance as the region’s longest-running pitch competition. The event, which took place via Zoom, welcomed aspiring entrepreneurs to present their groundbreaking ideas, marking the 12th year of this vital entry point into the Hampton Roads Startup Ecosystem.

As an essential platform for validating entrepreneurial ideas, Start Peninsula offers participants the chance to gain recognition and access to resources that can propel their ventures forward. This year’s Micro Pitch #4 event showcased exceptional talent, with three standout companies securing their places in the upcoming Championship Pitch.

Meet the Winners:

  • Romulus Media (Walt Smithers) wowed judges with its dynamic approach to collegiate marketing. Romulus Media connects brands like Tia Lupita, Samsung, and Tinder with college students through a peer-to-peer marketing strategy that leverages a network of over 700 student marketers, content creators, and brand ambassadors. Their approach not only creates authentic marketing opportunities for clients but also provides students with flexible, paid work opportunities.
  • Archetype Braces | Voyage LLC (Joshua Miner) redefined knee brace technology with a design inspired by a personal passion for hiking. The groundbreaking brace mimics natural knee movement, offering unparalleled support while allowing flexibility. Its innovation lies in the way the brace adjusts its length in response to movement, making it a revolutionary option for those with mobility issues.
  • Scribble (Torrey Butler) is a social platform that aims to connect authors, readers, and publishing resources in a streamlined ecosystem. By bridging the gap between content creators and consumers, Scribble is helping undiscovered talent reach new audiences and offering readers a wealth of fresh stories to enjoy.

Esteemed Judges:

The panel of judges for this event included Taylor Schaude, an experienced venture capitalist and former Head of Business Development at Neo.Tax; Dan Girouard, a prominent economic development professional from the City of Hampton; and Dr. Michele King, Director of Esports at William & Mary and an expert in communication and gamification.

These three companies will advance to the Championship Pitch event on November 6th, where they will compete for the top prize and continue their journey within the vibrant Hampton Roads entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For those eager to witness the future of innovation, register for the Championship Pitch event here and cheer on the region’s brightest minds as they take their next big steps.