Untapped Empowers the AI Ecosystem’s Growth with Exciting AI Pitchfest
Untapped Ventures plays a pivotal role in nurturing and accelerating the growth of the AI ecosystem, driving innovation, and fostering collaboration.
Our Untapped AI Startup Pitchfest Burbank, stands as a testament to our commitment to advancing the frontiers of artificial intelligence and supporting the next generation of AI-driven entrepreneurs.
As the CEO and Founder of Untapped Ventures, I am excited to share with our community the significant impact we have on the AI landscape through the AI Pitchfest, which took place on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
About the Event
This event served as a launchpad for visionary minds to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the AI ecosystem.
The Pitchfest provided a unique platform for handpicked, early-stage AI founders from Los Angeles and beyond to present their revolutionary concepts to an audience of over 150 attendees.
With distinguished partners such as Upstart Valley, The City of Burbank, and Decrypted, the event created invaluable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposure for the participating startups.
At Untapped Ventures, we understand the critical role that venture capital plays in fueling AI innovation.
That’s why we curated a panel of esteemed judges, including renowned VCs such as:
- Anuj Varma from B Capital Group
- Nicole Toussaint Nasta from TenOneTen Ventures
- Brandon Gerson from Expert Dojo
- David Mandel from Emerging Ventures Capital
- Stefan Mitu from VU Venture Partners.
Together, we evaluated the pitches based on essential criteria, including the strength of the founding team, market potential, product innovation, and traction.
An amazing keynote was delivered by one of the veterans in the LA ecosystem, Brian Mac Mahon, Partner & Head Honcho at Expert Dojo.
He shared his global perspective on what startups should do in order to raise money, grow, and thrive in today’s ecosystem.
He also shared his personal experience and insights from his journey of building one of the best-known international accelerators.
We showcased a diverse range of AI-powered solutions that have the potential to transform industries and reshape our world. The participating founders took the stage, captivating the audience with their compelling narratives, visionary outlooks, and technological prowess.
The presentations explored various AI applications, from deciphering consumer engagement and revolutionizing audience understanding to constructing immersive virtual environments that push the boundaries of traditional infrastructure.
Featured Startups
One standout startup, Synapbox, co-founded by Ben Hsieh and Cristina De la Peña, left a lasting impression with their winning pitch, “Decoding Human Decision Making.”
Synapbox leverages an AI algorithm trained on millions of real-time reactions to content, enabling them to revolutionize the $2.5 trillion media and entertainment industry. By uncovering the creative elements that genuinely capture attention and drive action, Synapbox is poised for exceptional growth, with $1.3 million in annual recurring revenue and a strategic focus on the LATAM market.
In addition to Synapbox, the AI Pitchfest featured other exceptional startups that exemplify the depth of talent and ingenuity within the AI ecosystem:
Magma, led by CEO Damian Kaczmarek, aims to create the ultimate collaborative platform where artistic teams, schools, and communities converge to bring their creative visions to life.
Ethereal Engine, founded by Liam Broza, is building immersive virtual spaces that transport users to boundless realms of imagination.
Thinking Media, led by Principal Co-founder Scott Schlichter, spearheads cloud solutions for hyperconnected TV, OTT, and FAST platforms, revolutionizing the way we consume media.
Rivet, with Steven Van Cohen, MS, as a partner, connects and empowers the workforce through a leading platform for workplace collaboration and connections.
Zen Sleep, co-founded by Sunny Liang, is revolutionizing sleep wellness with a personal sleep coach backed by the science of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
Untapped’s View on AI
During the event, I delivered a talk on the transformative power of AI, emphasizing its ability to reshape industries, drive economies, and redefine our daily lives. From healthcare and transportation to finance and education, AI is the driving force behind groundbreaking advancements. As we progress toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), surpassing human capabilities in economically valuable tasks, Untapped Ventures is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses embrace AI as a superpower and integrate it into their operations.
The Untapped AI Pitchfest stands as a testament to our unwavering support for the AI community’s growth and development. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, judges, and attendees whose collaboration and shared vision make events like this possible. Together, we are shaping the future of AI innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Next Steps
To stay connected with Untapped Ventures and be a part of the vibrant AI ecosystem, we encourage you to follow us on social media and visit our website.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, and opportunities that contribute to the thriving AI community we are building.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, we are inspired by the immense talent, passion, and potential that permeate the AI ecosystem. Untapped Ventures is dedicated to unleashing the full power of AI and creating a limitless future for all.
If you are building the next big thing in AI, we want to meet you! Submit your pitch here.
