September 22 not only celebrated the first day of autumn, but also marked the inaugural showcase for Early Stage Montana (ESMT), an organization committed to inspiring entrepreneurism and connecting startups with investors. ESMT hosted an exciting and educational event boasting the presence of 15 high tech experts from around the Northwest and seven of Montana’s businesses with high-growth potential. Panel discussions between savvy investors and the audience consumed half the day, we were inundated with brilliant conversation covering topics from pursuing investment to finding customers. As if that wasn’t entertainment enough, a tight competition kept the atmosphere uneasy.
Seven high tech startups from Montana competed for a $50,000 cash prize from investors. Contestants paced the auditorium and took turns delivering their pitches. Each business is entirely unique in purpose, the only thing they have in common is the level of technology involved and the drive to find investment.
- Alosant – artificial intelligence for community living
- Cardsetter – a blogger’s and editor’s paradise makes web development a cinch
- Elation – online coaching that prevents burnout in healthcare professionals
- Elebase – a developer’s tool simplifying cross-platform integration
- Sellout – application for concert ticketing combating ticket scalping
- Superior Traffic Services – smart construction equipment promising workplace safety
- WebBuy – a sale and service application for independent car dealerships
Each competing startup won a regional event from the four corners of Montana, proving themselves among numerous others and invited to attend a business accelerator program offered by Early Stage MT. The hyper-accelerator took place over five days in July where the teams were coached through all facets of their business plans. The final competition in September was sponsored by several supporting organizations: Frontier Angel Fund, MSU Blackstone Launchpad, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Next Frontier Capital, and Big Sky Economic Development, and several other supporters.
Learn more about Early Stage MT, earlystagemt.org.
Watch this video to see who won the grand prize investment!
