Gigabit Challenge Finalist Competes in Rice Business Plan Competition

The day that Think Big Partners found out that the team from Green Earth Aerogel Technologies would not be able to make The Gigabit Challenge Finale was a sad one.


After all, the startup had done everything they could to fly from Spain (where the team is from) to Kansas City in order to make the finals on January 18, 2012.  Unfortunately, the timing was wrong and travel arrangements were too challenging.  After weeks and weeks of trying, Green Earth Aerogels was unable to compete in the Gigabit Challenge Finale. 


But every cloud has a silver lining.  The Gigabit Challenge seemed to open the doors to other business plan competitions throughout the United States for Green Earth Aerogel Technologies. One of those opportunities is the Rice Business Plan Competition this week in Houston, Texas. 


Green Earth Aerogel Technologies went up against 400 other startup companies to compete in the initial round of the Rice Business Plan Competition and has made the top 42.  Each team in the competition will have 15 minutes to present a business plan (much like The Gigabit Challenge) with the chance to win more than $460,000 and the opportunity to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ OMX this fall. 


Competitors seem to come from all over the globe: Bangladesh, India, Germany, Denmark, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Phoenix, Houston and of course, Spain (where Green Earth Aerogel Technologies is from).


According to Brad Burke, managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship at Rice University, the business plan competition is a huge opportunity for the top 42 teams.  


"The success rate is indicative of the quality of team the competition draws," he said in a recent press release.  “It is also representative of what we are finding to be an increased interest in innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. The current economy certainly affects this as well as the willingness by the millennial generation to take risks to start their own companies. These young entrepreneurs are vital to the U.S. maintaining its technology innovation leadership and its position in the world economy.”


Best of luck to Green Earth Aerogel Technologies and all companies participating in the Rice Business Plan competition! 


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004 Think Big Radio: Live From The Gigabit Challenge

Several short interviews with a few contestants from The Gigabit Challenge Finale.  The Gigabit Challenge was a global business plan competition inspired by Google Fiber's implementation in Kansas City.  The Grand Prize of $100,000 and the opportunity to work on the Google Fiber network was awarded to SEIN Analytics and Asset Management, while the Born Global Prize was given to Kauzu and the People's Choice Award to Paruzia Technologies.  The Finale event took place on January 18, 2012, at the Kansas City Public Library

004 Think Big Radio Gigabit Challenge

What Will SEIN Analytics Do with $100,000 Gigabit Challenge Prize?

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 

Since SEIN Analytics & Asset Management walked away with the $100,000 Grand Prize at The Gigabit Challenge Finale earlier this year, the Brooklyn-based startup has begun developing plans for 2012 that include hiring, creating deals, marketing and formulating new business structures.

Think Big Partners’ Gigabit Challenge was a global business plan competition looking for new applications to disrupt technology on the Google Fiber Network.  Prizes at the awards ceremony on January 18, 2012, included the $100,000 Grand Prize, which was awarded to SEIN Analytics & Asset Management, the People’s Choice Award, and a $250,000 Born Global Prize.

“I launched our prototype and turned my attention to getting feedback from others,” said Samuel Belu-John, CEO and Founder of SEIN Analytics.  “I looked for places to present our idea to.  I signed up for iStart and saw The Gigabit Challenge. There was a natural fit to what Google Fiber could do and what we were doing.”

SEIN Analytics & Asset Management is a new venture founded by a structured finance veteran and a team of dedicated designers, strategists and programmers. SEIN develops a data-centric cloud application for analyzing and managing asset-backed securities (ABS). The software standardizes loan level data and displays it in an easy to use form that financial institutions and investors can use to track and analyze ABS investments.

In a recent Silicon Prairie News article, Chris Bernard, startup specialist at Microsoft and Gigabit Challenge judge, commented that “...no other company did as good a job of showing how the cloud and fiber could help businesses solve big data problems that were previously the providence of big data centers and deep pocketed customers.”

“When we were watching other presenters [during The Gigabit Challenge], we felt as if our numbers were too small,” said Suk-Hyon Paek, COO of SEIN Analytics.  “But the truth of the matter is, our numbers were realistic.  We were very down-to-earth about our idea.  Everything we presented was based on reality.”

With the $100,000 Grand Prize under their belts, the SEIN Analytics team plans on putting every penny from The Gigabit Challenge into launching their business.  In 2012, Belu-John hopes to hire more developers to assist him in flushing out SEIN.  The rest of the SEIN Analytics team plans to handle the future of the company by focusing on building strategic alliances with potential partners, increasing the deal database, refining the existing pricing models, developing a staffing plan, and creating marketing and sales initiatives. 

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Kauzu Kills It at the Gigabit Challenge and Leaves the Résumé for Dead

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Since Kauzu walked away with a $250,000 convertible promissory note courtesy of Gramercy Private Equity at The Gigabit Challenge Finale, the Chicago-based startup has been developing new plans for 2012 including partnership development, product development, fundraising and hiring.  

Think Big Partners’ Gigabit Challenge was a global business plan competition looking for new applications to disrupt technology on the Google Fiber Network.  Prizes included the People’s Choice Award, a $100,000 Grand Prize and the $250,000 Born Global Prize, which was given to Kauzu by Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity.

As one of the most energetic and creative pitches during The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18, 2012, Kauzu captivated the audience and the judges with its unique spin on changing the US employment industry.  Kauzu seeks to innovate the $170 billion industry by providing a dynamic, digital online environment with unique tools to create timely connections.

“This was a win for our team, and that’s all I really care about,” said Mitch Schneider, CEO, Founder and Chairman of Kauzu.  “This gives my team a pat on the back.  It also creates visibility and exposure.  Gramercy, Silicon Valley Bank, Microsoft—they all want to see us succeed.  The validation is amazing.  It only propels our chance to succeed.” 

Kauzu was one of the 17 Finalists to present at The Gigabit Challenge Finale in front of 17 esteemed judges from Kansas City and from across the nation. 

“This was another company that did a fantastic job with their pitch and connecting with the audience,” said Chris Bernard, Gigabit Challenge judge, in a recent article in Silicon Prairie News.  “I’m super eager to see what these guys do.  I think they have some unique ideas and a fantastic team.”

Mitch Schneider, CEO of Kauzu.

Post-Gigabit Challenge, Kauzu hopes to continue to develop more partnerships both in and outside of Chicago.  With these partnerships, Kauzu hopes to fund raise more effectively and more quickly to allow for cross-generating revenue.  The startup also hopes to start the hiring process in May.

“This experience has helped us form new partners and has allowed us to provide value back to new startups,” said Schneider.  “We are going to use other startup products so we can connect them with others too.  We want to open doors for others just like people have done for us.” 

In addition, Kauzu is planning another trip to Kansas City to connect with Think Big Partners’ accelerator and collaborative workspace and to strengthen more partnerships in Silicon Prairie.  Schneider also mentioned a two-location startup launch in both Chicago and Kansas City.

“Not every day is fun,” admitted Schneider.  “But at the end of the day, we all want to do this.  If I had a million dollars in my pocket, I’d still do this.  We do it because we believe in it and we think it’s fun.”


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What's up with Paruzia Post-Gigabit Challenge?

David Eck and Jason Arnold of Paruzia Technologies celebrate their Gigabit Challenge win.

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Paruzia Technologies walked away with The People’s Choice Award during The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18, 2012 and is now amplifying its marketing initiatives, bringing in new clients and analyzing their ability to use Google Fiber post-Finale.

Despite being one of the only startups that didn’t focus on software development at the event, Paruzia Technologies snagged the People’s Choice Award at The Gigabit Challenge Finale by winning 33% of the public vote. Now that Paruzia has been honored with this award, the small business from Grandview, Missouri is making new plans for a successful 2012.

“We had to put sales on hold during The Gigabit Challenge,” said David Eck, co-founder of Paruzia Technologies. “We are now shifting gears and bringing in new clients. The Gigabit Challenge has allowed us to further develop our platform.”

The Gigabit Challenge, powered by Think Big Partners, was a global business plan competition looking for new applications to disrupt technology on the Google Fiber Network. Prizes included a $100,000 Grand Prize, a $250,000 Born Global Prize and The People’s Choice Award, which was won by Paruzia Technologies via online poll.

“The People’s Choice Award was the best award we could have won,” said Eck. “It proves we know how to rally people together, that people like us and that people trust us. That’s what’s most important. But in addition, we needed what we won! Now, we have a place like bizperc to go to and a place to bounce ideas off others. We are looking forward to partnering and coworking.”

Paruzia was one of the 17 Finalists to present at The Gigabit Challenge Finale in front of 17 esteemed judges from Kansas City and from across the nation.

“...in addition to giving the most polished and cohesive pitch at the event...[Paruzia Technologies] presented the best solution that could take advantage of fiber in Kansas City for small businesses,” said Chris Bernard, Gigabit Challenge judge, in a recent article in Silicon Prairie News.

Post-Gigabit Challenge, Paruzia Technologies has also decided to use The People’s Choice Award as a marketing tactic. The company is celebrating The Gigabit Challenge win by offering the first 10 qualified businesses a complimentary analysis on how to speed up workflow and how to cut costs. To learn more about this opportunity, visit http://www.paruzia.com and fill out the request form.

ABOUT PARUZIA TECHNOLOGIES:
Pauriza Technologies is a Grandview, Missouri-based cloud integrator that uses best-in-class products and services to deliver high-value IT solutions. Paruzia offers technology services such as hosted desktops and servers, backup, disaster recovery, email, collaboration, ERP, accounting, CRM and more. As modern-day abolitionists, Paruzia Technologies has a vision to end modern-day slavery and the sexual exploitation of women and children by giving 5% of revenue or 20% of its profit (whichever is greater) to anti-trafficking efforts in tandem with Exodus Cry. To learn more about Paruzia Technologies, visit http://www.paruzia.com.

Follow Paruzia! @Paruzia

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Photo Recap: The Gigabit Challenge Finale

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPENCER WALSH, PISCATOR MEDIA


We captured some of our favorite moments from The Gigabit Challenge Finale and want to share them with you.  It was an incredible event for all involved--from judges to Finalists to volunteers...and especially for us, the Think Big team.  Thanks to all for making this KC event a success!

Senator Jerry Moran announced his STOP SOPA stance and welcomed all to The Gigabit Challenge.

Finalists were competing for 3 prizes: The People's Choice Award, the Born
Global Award ($250,000) and the Grand Prize ($100,000).

Judges had the chance to ask each of the 17 Finalists questions about their business.

Don Peterson of BigIris.com presents his business idea.

Seak Meng Lay introduces judges to Photaic business plan.

Sarah Snyder and Scott Mize of Think Big Partners collaborate on event logistics.

Think Big t-shirts all around!

Swag bags and name tags courtesy of KCnext.

Ann DeAngelo and Laura Goede of Think Big Partners.

A huge thanks to Digital Evolution Group for providing webcasting capabilities.
To view footage of the Challenge: click here.

Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity decides on winner for
the $250,000 Born Global Award.

Mitch Schneider of Kauzu.

Herb Sih of Think Big Partners makes big announcements for 2012.

Kristin Kenney of RE:Cite.

Judges break in the green room.

Scott Hardiek of Virtual/Real World Wallet System.

The team of Paruzia Technologies celebrates winning the People's Choice Award.

Scott Mize awards Paruzia Technologies with People's Choice Award.

Kauzu celebrates winning the Born Global Award worth $250,000.

The team from SEIN Analytics is shocked to win the $100,000 Grand Prize.

SEIN Analytics and their $100,000 Grand Prize.

For more pictures from The Gigabit Challenge, 

please visit our Facebook page.  

Think Big Kicks Feet Up After Gigabit Challenge Finale...Or Not

SEIN Analytics & Asset Management wins Grand Prize at Gigabit Challenge Finale.

Photo:The Kansas City Star

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR
It didn't seem like it could get any bigger after Think Big Partners announced the People's Choice Award, the $100,000 Grand Prize and the $250,000 Born Global Award at The Gigabit Challenge Finale.  But the truth of the matter is, last night's celebration was only the beginning for both the winners and for Think Big.

Sonia Lin of Kauzu may have said it best: "Winning this is really just the beginning.  There is now even more to accomplish." 

After being bombarded by various media outlets, fans and family/friends, the three winners of The Gigabit Challenge joined Think Big Partners and many attendees at an after party near Kansas City's Power and Light District.  There, everyone from Google engineers to TGC judges enjoyed networking, cocktails and celebration.

But it wasn't all fun and games.  After all, we are in the world of entrepreneurship.  Therefore, Finalists and the team of Think Big Partners were still on-the-clock networking with the right people and interviewing with big-time media outlets such as TechCrunch, the Kansas City Star and the Kansas City Business Journal.  

Although The Gigabit Challenge is now over, Think Big Partners is busier than ever.  What can we do for the entrepreneurs who didn't win?  How will we start working with SEIN Analytics and Asset Management to make their startup a big success?  When will Google Fiber come so we can start the high-speed Fiber craze?  Many questions still remain, but one thing is for sure: The Gigabit Challenge built awareness and buzz around Kansas City entrepreneurship and the coming of Google Fiber.  And because of it, more entrepreneurs are able to accomplish more of their dreams...and that's why Think Big Partners is around in the first place.

A huge thank you to our volunteers, judges, advisory board members, vendors, live bloggers, attendees and contestants!  The event would not have been possible without you.

Stay tuned for pictures, video and more posts about post-Gigabit Challenge happenings.  Click here for information about The Gigabit Challenge winners.  

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Winners of The Gigabit Challenge Announced at Finale Event

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR
Sixteen finalists, 19 judges and 300 attendees made for an outstanding Gigabit Challenge Finale at the Kansas City Public Library.  But among the buzz of networking attendees, the energetic music and a variety of influential speakers, there were 16 companies that had a completely different experience.  They were lucky enough to compete in The Gigabit Challenge Finale and they experienced the most exciting moment of all; standing on stage for the announcement of three winners.


Congratulations to our three incredible Gigabit Challenge winners!

The People's Choice Award


Paruzia Technologies: Paruzia works with small businesses who are frustrated with their current IT support.  Paruzia employs advanced technology solutions and works with business leaders who value making money, saving money and ensuring a position in the marketplace. 

The "Born Global" Award


Kauzu: Kauzu is a company that seeks to innovate the US employment industry, a 170 billion dollar industry, mainly generated from staffing agencies, online job boards and other smaller related services.  Kauzu belives in empowering the industry by providing a dynamic, digital online environment with unique tools to create timely connections.  Think eHarmony.com + eBay. 

The Grand Prize


SEIN Analytics & Asset Management: SEIN develops a cash-flow analytics application built on Adobe Flash Builder 4 in combination with a cloud database server.  The goal is to address the major concerns of investors in the space.  It will be the first fully functioning cloud computing ABS software that is both mobile and tablet friendly. 

We would like to thank all of our partners, volunteers, vendors, attendees, judges, advisory board members and Finalists who joined us for The Gigabit Challenge Finale tonight.  The event would not have been a success without you all.  Best of luck in your future endeavors and make sure to continue to think big...with a gig!

Follow The Gigabit Challenge! @GBChallengeKC

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Think Big Partners Announces Think Big Nation, Think Big Conference, New Coworking Space

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Just before the Awards Ceremony began for The Gigabit Challenge Finale, Herb Sih of Think Big Partners took the podium to deliver some of Think Big Partners' biggest announcements of 2012. 

Think Big Nation

First, Think Big Partners announced the launch of Think Big Nation, the umbrella that will encapsulate the recent efforts of Think Big Partners.  This includes the creation of more coworking spaces, additional entrepreneurial conferences, new partnerships, its first accelerator class and funding developments.  Think Big Nation is a "not only for profit" effort that challenges how entrepreneurship works, how ideas become profitable and how companies get started.  

Think Big Conference

Think Big Conferences have been around for 2 years now (with locations in Kansas City and Baltimore), but Think Big Partners plans on growing the Conference even further by taking it nationwide.  Herb Sih announced that the Think Big Conference will branch out to other cities including Memphis and the potential of five other US cities that have mentioned interest in the event.  To learn more and to bring Think Big to your city, please click here.  

Coworking Space

Over a year ago, Think Big Partners launched its first coworking space known as bizperc in the Crossroads District of Kansas City.  In order to facilitate the growth of entrepreneurship in the area, Think Big Partners and Five Elms Capital are launching a second coworking space called KCCowork.  The new coworking space is a Think Big Network Provider that will launch in Prairie Village, Kansas this Fall.  

First Accelerator Class

This year, Think Big Partners will also reveal its first accelerator class, which will be made up of a handful of high-growth startups (some of which from The Gigabit Challenge Finale) to work alongside Think Big Partners.  Those selected for the accelerator class will be mentored for effective presentations and pitches and then will be traveling to Silicon Valley to meet with investors and funders with Think Big.

Funding

Speaking of funding...Think Big Partners also announced the development of a fund which will be accessible to entrepreneurs everywhere.  The fund is being put in place to better facilitate the growth of entrepreneurship in the Midwest and across the country and to make capital more accessible to entrepreneurs involved with Think Big initiatives.  

Stay tuned for more announcements to learn how you can join the Think Big Nation.

Follow Think Big! @thinkbigKC

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The Gigabit Challenge Explodes in Kansas City

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Although we are only half way through The Gigabit Challenge Finale at the Kansas City Public Library, a lot has happened.  So much has happened, in fact, that it calls for a quick post about recent announcement, Finalist presentations and Gigabit news!


Currently, #GBFinale is the number one trending topic on Twitter in Kansas City!  Thanks to all of our social media gurus out there for posting your thoughts about the big event.  Keep your 140 character posts coming...we love learning what you think!  




Currently, Paruzia Technologies is in first place for the People's Choice Award with 30.5% of votes.  TiBi.tv is in close second with 22.2% of votes.  Keep the votes coming!  Vote for your favorite Gigabit Challenge Finalist on our live webcast page: http://www.gigabitchallenge.com/live.


This morning, Senator Jerry Moran announced his position to help stop SOPA.  To read more about Senator Moran's speech, check out our most recent blog post here.  Sign the petition to stop SOPA here: http://www.moranforkansas.com/stop-sopa-and-pipa.


We have seen standout pitches from a number of great companies.  So far, we have seen presentations from Risk Analytics, Photaic, Virtual Real World Wallet Systems, Courthouse USA, GET-GIV-GOT System Technologies, Kauzu, Somametric and Hong.  Congratulations to those who have presented and good luck for those who are yet to take the stage!


Follow The Gigabit Challenge! @GBChallengeKC    #GBFinale

Senator Jerry Moran Announces his Stop SOPA Position at Gigabit Challenge Finale

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR
This morning at The Gigabit Challenge Finale, Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan) announced his efforts to stop the SOPA Act that is currently taking a toll on modern entrepreneurs, innovators and startup companies.


Stop Online Piracy Act (also known as SOPA) is a bill that would expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement and copyright holders to fight online trafficking in copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods.  The bill, however, will prevent tech entrepreneurs from continuing to innovate with the speed and flexibility that we are currently used to.


Senator Moran announced this morning that he is going to fight to stop SOPA from passing.


"In our opinion, the damage that SOPA could cause is so great for entrepreneurs," said Senator Moran.  "They will not be able to innovate like they do now.  There has to be a better way to solve this online problem."


Senator Moran believes that the best way to solve the problem is by the creation of what he called the Open Act.  "We want to make this a legislation as well...and do it the right way," he says.


Senator Moran's focus is for the SOPA bill to not exceed 60 votes.  The Senator believes that this will be a difficult task due to the broad support that SOPA has received.


"We need to think about what SOPA means for entrepreneurs and small businesses," said Senator Moran this morning.  "We need to make sure that entrepreneurs understand the threat and connect them with elected officials."


This announcement could not have occurred at a better time--on the same day that huge tech companies such as Wikipedia and Reddit are protesting SOPA with website "blackouts".


Click here to sign the petition to help Senator Jerry Moran stop SOPA: http://www.moranforkansas.com/stop-sopa-and-pipa.

Keep up to date with more announcements from The Gigabit Challenge on Twitter at @GBChallengeKC or online at www.gigabitchallenge.com.

Think Big Preps for Two Major KC Events

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR
While many corporate offices were closed Monday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Think Big Partners couldn't have been busier.  That's because the company has planned two big events back-to-back this week.  Stupid?  Maybe.  Crazy?  Of course.  But that's what entrepreneurship is all about: stupid, crazy ideas that end up working.  


First, Think Big Partners is hosting The Gigabit Challenge Finale on Wednesday, January 18.  The Finale will feature 19 pitch presentations from Finalists who hope to win the $100,000 Grand Prize, the $250,000 Born Global Prize or the People's Choice Award.  The all-day event will also feature video presentations from Vint Cerf, Mayor Joe Reardon and Mayor Sly James and Tyler Prochnow of Think Big Partners.  The Gigabit Challenge Finale will take place at the Kansas City Public Library (Plaza Branch) from 8:00AM to 5:30PM.  To attend, register here (we're sold out now!  Standing room only tickets are available).  If you can't make it to the Finale, be sure to watch the live webcast and vote for your favorite pitch: http://www.gigabitchallenge.com/live.


Then, the very next day, Think Big Partners is hosting a Showcase of bizperc.  On Thursday, January 19, at 1800 Baltimore (KCMO), Think Big Partners and bizperc are inviting entrepreneurs to come visit the coworking space for a group tour.  At the Showcase, attendees will have the chance to interactively tour Kansas City's modern coworking space, get a behind-the-scenes look at the startup creation process, showcase their own entrepreneurial ventures and learn how Think Big Partners is changing the way business are built...and why.  To register, click here. 


It's a busy week for Think Big Partners!  Join us!


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Follow The Gigabit Challenge!  @GBChallengeKC    #GBFinale
Follow bizperc!  @bizperc
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Get Social During The Gigabit Challenge Finale!

@GBChallengeKC       #GBFinale

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

We’re counting down the days until Think Big Partners hosts The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18 at the Kansas City Public Library (Plaza Branch).  Are you fully prepared to witness some of the coolest and most innovative startups out there?  We want you to have a dynamite experience—and share your thoughts with others online!

During The Gigabit Challenge Finale, we are encouraging attendees, contestants, judges and advisory board members to share their thoughts about the Finale on Twitter, Facebook and blogs.  Get social by using the hashtags, handles and pages below!

TWITTER

@GBChallengeKC

@ThinkBigKC

#GBFinale

#GoogleFiber

FACEBOOK

The Gigabit Challenge

Think Big Partners

BLOGS

Thank you to our bloggers and supporters! Want your blog to be added to the list?  Become a live blogger for The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18^th!  Email away@thinkbigpartners.com for more information.

Think Big Partners blog

Entrepreneurship Examiner

Kansas City Business Events Examiner

Kansas City Business News Examiner

Blog Brothers KC

Just in the Middle

Silicon Prairie News

WEBCAST

Can’t make it to the Finale? Tune into our live webcast on January 18^th and see the competition live online!  On the webcast, you will also have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

The Gigabit Challenge Finale webcast

PODCAST

Tune into our live podcast conducted by Beatnik Radio.  From 2:45 until 4:45 on January 18, six Finalists will be interviewed on Beatnik Radio immediately after they conclude their live pitches.  Get the reaction from contestants after the event at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beatnik-radio/id469601402.  

 

The Gigabit Challenge Podcast by Beatnik Radio

Register to attend The Gigabit Challenge Finale here: http://gigabitchallenge.eventbrite.com/.  

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

The Gigabit Challenge Announces Speakers: Senator Jerry Moran, Vint Cerf, Sly James, Joe Reardon, Kauffman Foundation

The Gigabit Challenge, a global business plan competition looking for entrepreneurial ideas to disrupt on the Google Fiber network, has announced its lineup of speakers, video presenters and event details for The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18, 2012 at the Kansas City Public Library (Country Club Plaza Branch).

The Gigabit Challenge Finale welcome address will begin promptly at 8:00 AM on January 18, 2012 with an introduction from United States Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS).  During the introduction, Moran will discuss the positive impact of Google Fiber, the importance of initiatives such as his Startup Act (announced in December of 2011 with co-sponsor Senator Mark Warner [D-VA]), and the entrepreneurial growth that Kansas City is experiencing.  

The Gigabit Challenge Finale will also feature video presentations from a number of national and local leaders.  Vint Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist at Google and Advisory Board Member for The Gigabit Challenge, will welcome the contestants and discuss the next generations of Internet applications on Google Fiber.  Other video presenters include Mayor Sly James of Missouri, Mayor Joe Reardon of Kansas, Gigabit Challenge organizer Tyler Prochnow, and the Kauffman Foundation via their animated “sketchbook” video declaring Kansas City as the “City of Entrepreneurs”.  

To conclude The Gigabit Challenge Finale, Herb Sih of Think Big Partners will deliver a community address in which he will discuss behind-the-scenes details about Think Big Partners’ decision to host The Gigabit Challenge and exciting future initiatives.  The Gigabit Challenge Finale will close with an awards presentation where winner of the $100,000 Grand Prize, the $250,000 “Born Global” Prize and the People’s Choice Award will be announced.    A detailed schedule for the Finale can be found at http://gigabitchallenge.eventbrite.com/. 

The Gigabit Challenge Finale will stream live on January 18, 2012 from 8:00AM until 5:00PM at http://www.gigabitchallenge.com/live.  A number of live bloggers, social media experts and local and national media outlets will broadcast the Finale activities.  If you are interested in attending and covering The Gigabit Challenge Finale, please contact Allison Way at away@thinkbigpartners.com.

To register to attend The Gigabit Challenge Finale, please visit http://gigabitchallenge.eventbrite.com. 

Follow The Gigabit Challenge! @GBChallengeKC     #GBFinale

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The Gigabit Challenge Goes Live with Digital Evolution Group

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

In the Internet age that we live in today, it's impossible to run a business without getting it online.  In fact, online businesses make up most of the new startups and entrepreneurial ventures in today's world.  Because of this, we need to rely heavily on companies that have an expertise in the online and on-demand environments.  And that's where Digital Evolution Group comes into play.  

Digital Evolution Group is more than an application development firm.  It's a full service e-consultancy that uses the disciplines necessary for success in today's online environment.  Digital Evolution Group is known to get inside of a business in order to intensely understand its challenges and to provide a fresh perspective.  By taking the best ideas and practices of the online industry and warping it into an appropriate technology, Digital Evolution Group knows how to reach the unique objectives that entrepreneurs go after.

Which is why The Gigabit Challenge approached Digital Evolution Group for its webcasting needs. 

On Janaury 18th, The Gigabit Challenge is hosting its Finale event in which 19 Finalists will compete in an intense, all-day pitchfest in front of investors, other startups and the public at the Kansas City Public Library.  But because The Gigabit Challenge is a global competition, it was obvious that not everybody who wanted to attend the Finale would be able to.

In order to solve this challenge, Digital Evolution Group presented The Gigabit Challenge with its high-tech webcasting capabilities.  Now, the Gigabit Challenge Finale will be broadcast throughout the world live and online at www.gigabitchallenge.com/live.

If you are unable to attend The Gigabit Challenge Finale in Kansas City, be sure to tune in live on January 18, 2012 from 8:00AM until 6:00PM (CST) to watch Gigabit Challenge speakers, pitches and awards ceremony.  This is a webcast you won't want to miss--all thanks to Digital Evolution Group.

To attend The Gigabit Challenge Finale, visit gigabitchallenge.eventbrite.com.  

Follow The Gigabit Challenge!  @GBChallengeKC    #GBFinale

Follow me!  @AllisonThinkBig

The Gigabit Challenge Reveals Order of Presenters for Jan. 18 Finale

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR


On January 18, The Gigabit Challenge will hold the Finale event at the Kansas City Public Library (Plaza Branch) in which the 19 selected Finalists will pitch their business plans to a panel of standout judges.  This afternoon, Scott Mize and Tyler Prochnow of Think Big Partners drew the order in which the Finalists will present:


GROUP 1
Risk Analytics, LLC
Photaic
Virtual/Real World Wallet Systems
Courthouse USA, LLC


GROUP 2
GET-GIV-GOT System Technologies
Kauzu
Green Earth Aerogel Technology
Somametric
Hong


GROUP 3
Digital City Mechanics
Strategic Office Networks, LLC
RE:Cite
Record Life


GROUP 4
Paruzia Technologies
Damascus Fortune
TiBi.tv
Voter Integrity Party
BigIris.com
SEIN Analytics & Asset Management 


Best of luck to all Finalists competing on the 18th! 


To register to attend The Gigabit Challenge Finale, please click here.  The event is free of charge and open to the public.  


Follow The Gigabit Challenge! @GBChallengeKC