Startup Colorado Pitch Competition extends deadline, expands eligibility criteria

Startup Colorado announced Thursday a partnership with 14 Founders and the Greater Colorado Venture Fund, which will provide a substantial increase in investment opportunities for two or more rural founders. The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition will now offer at least $280,000 in investments.

The application deadline is extended to July 7 and the eligibility criteria expanded to accommodate a greater variety of businesses.

The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition is for rural founders dedicated to solving challenges and fostering innovation within their communities. Designed for startups with growth potential, the competition is open to all founders headquartered in Rural Colorado. The Pitch Competition will take place during West Slope Startup Week (August 19-23) in Durango.

14 Founders by the Kickstart Fund and the Greater Colorado Venture Fund will offer two investment packages of at least $140,000 each. This partnership marks a turning point in the rural finance landscape.

“Startup Colorado believes that rural communities are home to noteworthy, scalable companies,” said Brittany Romano, Executive Director of Startup Colorado. “This investment will help generate further interest in businesses outside the urban Front Range.”

The Startup Colorado Pitch Competition is open to all founders operating in a rural county. To prepare for the final event, finalists will receive private pitch coaching from the Ewing School, ensuring they can effectively showcase their solutions to rural problems in front of a panel of judges and a live audience at West Slope Startup Week.

About the funders:
14 Founders is a venture program investing in startups in the state of Colorado. The program is managed by local Colorado students and is sponsored by Kickstart Fund.
“14 Founders is all about supporting the pillars that are the backbone of Colorado’s startup ecosystem,” said Harris Cunningham, Partner at 14 Founders.

The Greater Colorado Venture Fund is a venture capital fund investing in early-stage startups headquartered across the state of Colorado, outside of the Front Range. It is working to inspire innovation in places formerly overlooked by venture funds.

“This year, GCVF is looking to partner with an early stage growth company in rural Colorado,” said Cory Finney, Partner at the Greater Colorado Venture Fund. “We are looking for an awesome team that is building a unique product in a large market.”

About Startup Colorado:
Startup Colorado is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports rural entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in 53 rural counties across Colorado. It believes anyone should have the ability to start and scale a business in the place they call home. It helps both entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders access the human, social, and financial capital they need to build thriving businesses. Learn more at StartupColorado.org.