Tiger-Shark Tank: Season 3 is Live at the Ridgefield Playhouse Monday, October 28, 2024
The Ridgefield Community & Economic Development Commission's (ECDC) 2022 & 2023 Tiger-Shark Tank competition was so successful that they’re bringing it back for “Season 3.”
The commission will be partnering with the Ridgefield Playhouse again this year, where the event will occur on October 28th. “We received so much positive feedback from our first two Tiger Shark Tanks, we felt like we tapped into something really special for the community,” said Sean Dowd of the ECDC.
The evening is free and open to the public. Seating in the 500-seat theater is general admission, but spectators must reserve their seats by visiting ridgefieldplayhouse.org. Walk-ups are welcome on the day of the event.
Ridgefield-based entrepreneurs and business owners can pitch their ideas to a panel of international corporate leaders, notable entrepreneurs, private equity investors, and Ridgefield ECDC members on Monday, October 28, 2024. The doors and cash bar will open at 5:30 pm for pre-event networking; the presentations will begin at 6:30, with the winners being announced at 8:45 pm.
The panel will vote on the best ideas and award Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce gift cards to the top three presentations. “We’re excited to support these entrepreneurs and the town by giving out $5,000 in gift cards to the winners,” said Dowd. As on the nationally televised Shark Tank, presenters will have 15 minutes to pitch their concept to the judges and audience. Entrepreneurs who pitch will receive real-time feedback from private investors. A financial investment from judges is not part of the event. “I spent 5 years working for Daymond John at his brand consultancy, The Shark Group, so when the ECDC approached us, it was a no-brainer to partner with them,” said Jared Shahid, Co-Managing Director of the Ridgefield Playhouse. “The Shark Tank platform is massive, and the associated PR and marketing can transform a business overnight. That’s why I like this event for Ridgefield; the visibility of winning a business competition can expose these entrepreneurs to serious investment or growth opportunities.”
Last year’s judges included
Chris Bishop CEO of North American Motor Car and American Metal Whiskey
Jeff Bornstein former Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of General Electric, Current Managing Partner of Generation Capital Partners
Christa Carone President, Infillion
Wyatt Lipman general counsel, strategic deals & partnerships, Google
Megan Searfoss founder of Ridgefield Running Co., Darien Running Co., Run Like a Mother
Jay Walker founder of Priceline.com, chair of Walker Digital
Please email pitches to Sean Dowd at torecdcb@ridgefieldct.gov by Tuesday, October 1.
Last year, more than 40 entrepreneurs applied for the 5 available spots. Pitches from previous years who were not invited to present at the live event can resubmit, and high school and college students are also invited to participate.
2022 presenters were:
Olga Chin - InterPrice Technologies (Winner)
Laura Davis - Mind Body Botanicals
James Albis - RedLeaf
Tony Perrelli - PinDo
Kerri Austin - Hot Flash Diaries
Patrick Sciarratta - Culture World
2023 presenters were:
1. Pop Art Kids – Rosie Snow Voulgaris (Winner)
2. The Meeting House – Deborah Rundlett & Ron Herman
3. Domotics – Mike Sturges
4. High Octane TV – Jeff Macaluso
5. Target Arm – Jeff McChesney
The Ridgefield ECDC seeks to help promote a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Please visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org for more information on the event or visit ridgefieldct.com for more information on our mission. Email ECDC member Sean Dowd directly with any questions or to arrange a pitch!
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