On Oct. 25 The Creative Coast will co-host Startup Lounge Savannah, a unique event that’s becoming an annual “must do” for local entrepreneurs and investors. As in years past, the event is being organized in conjunction with Georgia Tech’s ATDC, Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the city of Savannah.
This is an “invitation only” event with applications being accepted through Sept. 24. Selected entrepreneurs and investors will be invited to spend two hours chatting in a relaxed, yet serious, environment. The location of the event is disclosed only to those entrepreneurs and investors who are invited to participate.
For the past three years, the event has served as an incredible opportunity for startups and entrepreneurs in the region to meet and communicate with investors and service providers from throughout the region.
Unlike other investor forums or networking events, Startup Lounge is more of a casual “meet and greet” than a “pitch and walk” presentation, which allows participants to talk in-depth about their ideas, projects and businesses.
Plus, the unique “lounge” setting allows invitees to relax and get to know one another on a personal level.
The original Startup Lounge was hosted in Atlanta, and the event is the brainchild of Mike Blake who partnered with The Creative Coast and our counterparts three years ago to host the first Savannah Startup Lounge.
Since then, the event each year has grown in size and quality of participating innovators, startup companies and investors.
For the first-timers, two types of applications are being accepted: One application is for potential investors, and the second application is for interested entrepreneurs and existing startup companies.
In years past, successful Startup Lounge events have led to deal flow, investment activity, new company launches and countless connections between area startups, investors and service providers. Startup Lounge has become a key event in the region for Savannah’s investors and its capital-seeking entrepreneurs.
If you are an investor looking to connect with an up-and-coming startup or if you are an entrepreneur with a great idea, apply now as this might be the catalyst for something great.
Applications can be downloaded at fastpitchcompetition.com.
Jake Hodesh is the executive director of The Creative Coast, a not-for-profit organization that promotes the creative and entrepreneurial community within the region. Jake can be reached at 912-447-8457 or jake@thecreativecoast.org.