Judges Crack Down on Think Big's Gigabit Challenge

In our previous business plan competition (Pitch Big), judges based
the winner on a number of different credentials at Think Big Kansas City.

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR


When Think Big Partners sat down to discuss The Gigabit Challenge for the first time, we expected the competition to be big...but we didn't expect it to be this big.  

Over 110 executive summaries and applications were submitted into The Gigabit Challenge, each one hoping to winning the $100,000 prize in cash and startup services.  And although only one entrepreneur will emerge as the winner, all 113 business plans displayed creativity, dedication and passion.  And isn't that what entrepreneurship is all about? 

But wasn't just the number of applications that impressed us.  More importantly, we were impressed with the caliber of submissions.  From impressive high-tech ideas to healthcare industry revelations, The Gigabit Challenge has become a repository for unique and innovative Google Fiber ideas.

So what's next?  Currently, The Gigabit Challenge judging panel has been issued all of the business plans that were submitted into the Challenge.  For the next six days, the judges will rank each executive summary based on market opportunity, growth and impact, brevity and clarity and Google connection.  A huge thanks for The Gigabit Challenge judges.  This business plan competition could not be possible without you!

Stay tuned for more announcements on The Gigabit Challenge.  Semi-finalists will be announced during the week of November 28th.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

PlanetReuse Excels in Kansas City Coworking Space

Nathan Benjamin exudes collaboration, ingenuity and creativity...which are just three reasons why he and his new business, PlanetReuse, work so well in Kansas City’s new coworking space, bizperc.

PlanetReuse was launched in December of 2010 by Nathan and his partner, Willow Lundgren.  The company stemmed from PlanetReuse, a three-year-old company that brokers reclaimed building materials and consults with designers, builders and owners to save money on projects and increase LEED.

The new company, PlanetReuse, has been developed to provide an online platform to help reuse centers-including the 750+ Habitat for Humanity ReStores nationwide-make reclaimed and surplus materials instantly accessible to homeowners online.  According to Nathan, less than 5% of reuse centers in the U.S. have an online presence.  Therefore, homeowners, contractors, and rental property onwers can't shop reuse centers as easy as they can Home Depot or Lowe's.  Most give up and just buy new. 

“We want to make national connections,” says Nathan. “We want to divert more materials from landfills, raise awareness about material reuse and connect consumers with available product.  It's a great opportunity, but it's also challenging."

Some of PlanetReuse’s challenges have been solved.  After moving into the bizperc coworking space, PlanetReuse has seen growth and success.  The company was even announced as the winner of Pitch Big (which took place at Think Big Kansas City 2011).  When announced as the Pitch Big winner, PlanetReuse won a few months of free office space at bizperc and other services provided by Think Big Partners.

“Working in bizperc gives us access to a collaboration of ideas and insight into entrepreneurship,” says Nathan.  “The knowledge in this building is solid and easily accessible.”  Nathan then added that winning Pitch Big and partnering with Think Big Partners has given them three key ingredients: exposure, investment opportunities and networking. 

“There are so many opportunities for growth!” says Nathan. “Currently, we are in a $200 million industry.  But in 10 years, it will be a $1 billion industry.”

This summer, PlanetReuse will be beta testing its platform in two Kansas City area stores.  Currently, the company is actively seeking investors to scale nationally.  Good luck, PlanetReuse!

Interested in working in a collaborative, inspirational and modern startup environment? Contact Sarah Snyder to schedule a tour of bizperc.  816-842-5244 or ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig.

Top 10 Things I Learned at Think Big Kansas City

To say that Think Big Kansas City was a jam-packed day is a bit of an understatement.  Choosing only 10 things that I learned from the all-day conference is actually quite a challenge!  But here are some of the key take-aways that I gained from attending the 2nd annual Think Big Kansas City:

1.  When pitching to investors, pitch the company, not the idea.  - Rachael Qualls, Pitch Big VC Judge

2.  Always prepare yourself for the unexpected (like chocolate with Pop Rocks in it!) - Tamara Christensen, TBKC Speaker

3.  Not all companies follow through with their core values and we need to be aware of this.  -  Marty Stanely, TBKC Speaker

4.  Mobile apps are not going to go away...and neither are the complications of developing them for both iOS and Android.  -  Royce Haynes, TBKC Panelist

5.  "Technology companies are born global."  - Michael Gale, TBKC Panelist & Speaker

6.  That a successful business leader guides his employees to make decisions and supports them whether they're right or wrong.  "When decisions are not being made, that's when I'll fire you."   - Bill Rancic, Keynote Speaker referring to Donald Trump

7.  During a pitch, make sure to leave room to talk about your competitors and why you're better than them.  -  Chris Geisert, Pitch Big VC Judge

8.  If you don't make a mistake every once and awhile, then you're not pushing the limits.  - Herb Sih, TBKC Speaker & Founder

9.  Everybody can Think Big...but we all do it in different ways. 

10.  When you bring hundreds of entrepreneurs together under one roof, anything is possible, but especially Big Thinking! 

Written by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

Green Company Walks Away with $5,000 in Startup Prizes at Think Big Kansas City!

Congrats to the TBKC Pitch Big Winner PlanetReuse!

After numerous panel sessions, a fascinating keynote speech by Bill Rancic, and an informative talk from Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity, Think Big Kansas City seemed to be wrapping up.  But TBKC could not come to a close without the production of one of the most talked about activities of the day: Pitch Big.

In the competition, the three Pitch Big finalists were asked to present a 5-minute pitch to a VC panel of judges (Chris Geisert of Tradebot, Rachael Qualls of Angel Capital Group and Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity).  After their pitch, the judges would grill the contestant with a series of startup questions (and give great pitching advice!). 

Pitch Big started off with Kevin Curtin of Kinergi Systems.  During his pitch, Kevin touched on the importance of LED lighting in the commerical industry.  The judges (of course) drilled him with questions and then the audience voted and gave Kevin a number (1-10, 10 was the highest) for how he did during the pitch.

This process repeated for the other two candidates: Willow Lundgren and Nathan Benjamin of PlanetReuse and Scott Halvorson of SmartPharm. 

When the audience was asked to vote, things ended up getting a little heated.  People debated for their favorite contestant, fought for their favorite company, and took a stance as to what they thought was a fair ranking. 

In the end, Willow and Nathan of PlanetReuse walked away as the winners.  The business was awarded an "Entrepreneur in a Box" prize consisting of 6 months of free office space at bizperc, startup services and guidance, logo design, and much more (worth over $5,000!). 

A BIG congratulations to PlanetReuse for becoming the winner of Pitch Big 2011!  And a special thanks to all of the participants, the audience, and our fierce judges for taking part in the event.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Kansas City is TOMORROW!

Entrepreneurs, startups, business owners, CEOs, investors, big thinkers:  Tomorrow is the (Think) Big day!

The day we've been counting down to is finally here! We're excited to see you at Think Big Kansas City 2011. We're looking forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as meeting new leaders, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the nation.

What should you do to prepare? Here's a checklist for everything you need to know about TBKC!

Bring...stuff to jot down notes, business cards, company information and your entrepreneurial spirit!

Park...in the Barney Allis Plaza Parking Garage (cash only) or utilize street parking. Enter the Kansas City Convention Center using the entrance on Central & Wyandotte (between 12th and 13th).

Dress...business casual. You want to impress Bill Rancic, don't you?

Look over...our conference agenda, speaker list, and Pitch Big finalists to know what you're getting yourself into!

Tweet...don't forget to Tweet using #TBKC and @ThinkBigKC!  Also, please use our intefy page to see what's going on with #TBKC on Twitter!  Access the page here. 

See you bright and early at 7:30AM tomorrow for the Networking Breakfast! Get ready to Think Big!

Written by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

Announcing the Top 3 Finalists for Pitch Big!

Congratulations to the Top 3 Finalists that will compete in Pitch Big: "Shark Tank" Style!

Kevin Curtin of KINERGI Systems

Nathan Benjamin & Willow Lundgren of PlanetReuse

Scott Halvorson of SmartPharm

See you at Think Big Kansas City on May 24th!  Get ready to Pitch Big!

TBKC: Down to the Wire!

With only eight days remaining until Think Big Kansas City, we have finally started wrapping up the planning process.  A few quick reminders of what’s going on with TBKC this week:

• Registration is still in full-swing! Be sure to get your ticket now while you can—this is your last week to become a part of something big. 
• Pitch Big applications are due tomorrow!  If you have a great idea, an awesome business plan, or just want to get in front of a live audience, send us your Pitch Big application today! 
• Live bloggers: this week, you will receive information on what sessions you will be assigned to cover.  Thanks for your support and involvement in the conference!  Check your email this week for further details.
• Be sure to follow (@ThinkBigKC) and Tweet (#TBKC) this week for updates, discount offers and more!

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Innovation, Globalization and the Startup Ecosystem

Think Big Kansas City speaker and managing partner of Gramercy Private Equity, Michael Gale, talks about these three important aspects and how entrepreneurship can grow in Kansas City and beyond—starting with TBKC.

It was 9:00AM in Kansas City, but 7:30PM in Mumbai, where Michael Gale was located when he and I conducted a one-on-one interview.  As he briefed me about how the beautiful the sun looked setting over India, I rubbed my eyes and yawned from lack of sleep and caffeine.  Although Michael and I were on complete opposite sides of the world, we were still able to collaborate with one another and talk about entrepreneurship, globalization, innovation...and most importantly, what he was looking forward to during Think Big Kansas City.

 “Entrepreneurship is important no matter where you are,” said Michael from half way around the globe.  “Big organizations do not innovate anymore.  Therefore, the growth of companies and job creation comes from entrepreneurship.  Innovation is risky—but you need entrepreneurs to do it.”

Michael Gale stays busy traveling around the world and managing Gramercy Private Equity, yet he somehow found the time to speak at Think Big Kansas City, the Premier Event for Entrepreneurs, Investors and Startups.  At the one-day conference, Michael will take part in Global Business: Going Big Overseas as a panelist and will act as a judge in Pitch Big: “Shark Tank” Style. 

“I’m looking forward to talking to bright and innovative people,” said Michael about TBKC.  “Usually, these people are very difficult to find.  If I leave this conference with one new, bright entrepreneur in my orbit, it was well worth it.”

Well, Michael, we guarantee that you will leave with at least that. 

Buy your ticket to Think Big Kansas City now and listen to Michael Gale (and many others) live!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Participating in Pitch Big? Take Some Tips from VC Judge, Rachael Qualls

Although Pitch Big is a game-show style competition, one thing is for sure: it won’t be all fun and games.  Think Big Kansas City is looking for the Midwest’s brightest, most driven, most fearless entrepreneurs with the biggest business ideas—and even more importantly, entrepreneurs with ideas that can actually work. 

So, you know what TBKC is expecting, but what are the judges expecting?  A few weeks ago, we gave you answers from one of the Pitch Big judges, Chris Geisert, about what he wants to see from each pitch.  He even clued in readers about what types of ideas will actually win the competition.

Rachael Qualls of
Angel Capital Group

But what about the other judges?  After all, you’ll have to win over all three in order to win Pitch Big.  And one of the judges that you’ll have to go above and beyond to impress is Rachael Qualls, founder of the Angel Capital Group.  Rachael has seen a lot of business plans in her lifetime—and she is an entrepreneur herself (“been there, done that!”).  So what is Rachael looking for from the participants of Pitch Big?

“I’m looking for great business opportunities developed and run by entrepreneurs with a passion for what they do,” Qualls states.  “I’m not looking just at what is possible, but what is also probable to be successful.”  Sounds simple enough, right?

Qualls is looking forward to judging Pitch Big 2011 with fellow judges Chris Geisert and Michael Gale.  She is a firm believer that a business pitch competition like this will have a huge impact on the entrepreneurial community of Kansas City.

“Pitch Big brings people together, and running a startup is like living on a deserted island.  So, the mind share that can take place at events like this can create an untold amount of efficiency in the lives of entrepreneurs by connecting them,” she says.

So what’s it going to take to win over Qualls and her fellow judges?  “Have the greatest potential to beat the odds and create outstanding returns for investors.”

Applications for Pitch Big are due May 17, 2011.  Apply now...you may be the big winner on May 24^th at Think Big Kansas City!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

What's it Going to Take to Win Pitch Big?

Pitch Big judge, Chris Geisert fills us in.

TBP: What are you looking forward to most at Think Big Kansas City?

Chris: Any of these events that we go to – it’s all about meeting the entrepreneurs.  Seeing their passion on the frontline and learning about their business ideas. 

TBP: You attended Think Big Kansas City last year.  What are you expecting to see this year?

Chris: It was a great event last year.  This year, I expect more of the same great educational opportunities and the ability to meet and mingle with other entrepreneurs.  I’ll definitely be attending the presentations and the keynote.  I’m really looking forward to it.

TBP: You are participating as a panel judge for Pitch Big. What are you hoping to see from the contestants?

Chris: I want to hear their conviction as to why their ideas is going to work.  I want to hear a well-thought-out idea that is concise, clear and able to be confirmed.  In other words, show me the numbers.  If you can’t explain the benefit of your business or why it’s relevant in 25 words or less, then you probably need to refine your business or your message.

TBP: What are you going to take into consideration most when deciding on a winner of the competition?

Chris: The elevator speech and how they communicate will be a key piece of it.  But at the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not I think they can execute the idea.   Ideas are worthless without execution.  If they can’t execute it, then it doesn’t matter how great the idea is or how great their presentation is.  Another thing will be scalability.  Is this an idea that once it’s proven can accelerate to the next level quickly?

TBP: What’s it going to take to win? 

Chris: Overall to win, it’s going to take the complete package.  The idea, the presentation, and the belief that they can execute on it and that it can be scalable.  So when it comes down to it, I’m sure there are going to be a lot of great presentations, a lot of great ideas, several people that can execute.  But it’s who can pull that all together into one package.

TBP: What made you get involved as a panel judge for the business pitch competition?

Chris: We want to be active in the entrepreneurial community.  Whether we’re funding an idea or not, we want to see entrepreneurs in Kansas City succeed.  Hopefully entrepreneurs will learn something from just meeting with us that they can take and use–even if it’s just one nugget.   We think KC is a great place to start a business, especially a technology business, and anything we can do to foster that, we want to do. 

TBP: Why is a Pitch Big so important for Think Big Kansas City and what can it do for the entrepreneurial community? 

Chris: I think it’s important for entrepreneurs to get out and meet other entrepreneurs.  Whether they’re in Pitch Big or not, it’s important to get out, see what others are doing, know that they’re not alone–because sometimes being an entrepreneur can be a very lonely business–so I think it’s good for them to get out an mingle.  For those that are participating, I think it’s a great time for them to practice giving their message in front of an audience, get feedback, refine their message for the next time they present; that’s how they improve.

TBP: How do you Think Big? 

Chris: I Think Big by trying to figure out how to scale a business.  Once we understand a business, how do we immediately try and scale it as big as possible.  Within Tradebot Ventures, it’s finding an entrepreneur, figuring out if that idea is going to work, and if it is, how do we scale it.  I think scaling is the biggest way that we Think Big.

Interested in applying for Pitch Big?  Apply here. 

Interview conducted by Allison Way.
@AllisonThinkBig

Mark Your Calendars: TBKC Will Be Here Before You Know It!

Time flies when you're an entrepreneur, doesn't it?  We think so. 

Think Big Kansas City is only a little over a month away.  Have you registered?  Purchased your ticket?  Checked out the agenda?  Applied for Pitch Big?  Signed up for the Startup Expo?  If not, now is the time. 

Yesterday, we sent out our first of many countdown emails in anticipation for Think Big Kansas City 2011.  To become a part of the countdown, sign up for the Think Big Partners newsletter found here: Newsletter sign-up. 

Can't wait to see you at the 2nd annual Think Big Kansas City conference.  Get ready to Think Big! 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Are You Ready to Pitch Big?

Do you Think Big? If so, we have the business pitch competition for you. If you're an entrepreneur, innovator or creator with the next big idea or high growth opportunity, Think Big Kansas City is hosting a competition to find the next big thing...and it could be from you!

Maybe you've seen ABC's hit reality TV show Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs present their ideas to a panel of investors in the hopes of winning major cash and a chance to achieve the American Dream. Well guess what? Think Big Kansas City is hosting a Shark Tank of our own – but with our own Kansas City twist.

We're calling it Pitch Big: "Shark Tank" Style.

If you think that you've got what it takes—drive, creativity, innovation, and a winning attitude—now is your chance to pitch your big idea to a VC panel of judges and win prizes made just for your startup!

Learn more about Pitch Big: "Shark Tank" Style, see rules and regulations and fill out the application by clicking here! 

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig