The Tampa Bay community is flowing with ideas, innovation and concepts, but many of these never get off the ground due to lack of resources to get to the next step.
Sarasota-based
Glide Interactive is looking for the next innovative business idea, app, website or lifestyle brand in its first pitch contest. Titled “Glidea Pitch,” the contest is open to anyone with a creative idea. There are no specific criteria or business plan requirements. Interested participants submit an application
online that is then reviewed by the Glidea team.
"We’re here to take an idea that’s phenomenal and make it happen," says John Carlson, CEO for Glide Interactive.
Six semi-finalists will be selected from online submissions, and will present in front of a panel of judges on July 16. The winning idea will be developed and promoted by Glide Interactive in exchange for equity share. Ten percent of the profits will also be donated to charity.
The deadline to submit an idea is July 9.
Glide Interactive is partnering with
Ringling College of Art + Design, whose president Dr. Larry R. Thomson and Futurist in Residence David Houle will serve as panelists to determine the winner. "They [Ringling College] are a leader in this space on the education side, so it made sense to approach them," says Carlson.
Tamiami Angel Fund will also help determine the winner, and consider the idea for future funding beyond the development that Glide Interactive will provide.
Projects like these bring the community together, spur local economic development and encourage investors to take a look at Tampa Bay businesses, Carlson says.
Writer:
Megan Hendricks
Source: John Carlson, Glide Interactive
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