Companies formed at Startup Vikes Weekend

The second annual Startup Vikes event, held Friday, April 24^th through Sunday April 26^th in Fenn Tower on the Cleveland State University campus successfully awarded the top six (6) companies created during the weekend prizes and cash infusion packages.

The winning businesses and social enterprises that received a cash infusion and prize package (including time at local accelerators) were: Bind ($2,500); Coffee Drop ($2,500); SureVotes ($2,000); Studio Stick ($1,500); Global Society Guide ($1,000) and Puppy Match ($500).

“We are very proud of all of the businesses and social enterprises developed during Startup Vikes,” said Colette Hart, senior director for the Centers of Outreach and Engagement. “The weekend provides a pathway for entrepreneurship – one that we hope that all of our teams will pursue after the event and demonstrates Cleveland State University’s commitment to providing engaged learning that impacts Northeast Ohio.”

“Cleveland State University is playing a larger role in Cleveland’s entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Shannon Lyons, executive vice president of FlashStarts and lead facilitator of Startup Vikes. “The level of participation from Cleveland State students, faculty and staff was fantastic and helped make for a great weekend.”

Friday night began with 28 pitches, 12 teams were formed and pitched their business and social enterprise ideas to a panel of 9 judges.

Among the 100+ participants were students from Cleveland State University, students from 4 other local universities and community members. 25 mentors and presenters provided help, guidance and resources throughout the weekend ranging from strategy, branding, marketing, sales, financial, legal, design services and manufacturing to name a few.

To learn more about Startup Vikes, visit www.startupvikes.com