NVC Finalists Pitch their Startups at GEM Demo Day

6 Local Startups Make Their Pitch at Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet Demo Day

With the Bacara Resort & Spa as their backdrop, eight young business entrepreneurs stepped on stage to present their plans and pitches to more than 100 community members Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet, a program that provides support and mentors to local startup businesses, kicked off the G2 Summer Accelerator Demo Day showcasing the diverse inventions.

GEM is a partnership of the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, the City of Goleta and UC Santa Barbara.

During the seven-week G2 Summer Accelerator program, entrepreneurs were given the tools and networking to launch their ideas. 

“They all have completed the curriculum on a variety of startup issues and spent the summer growing their idea,” said Vyto Adomaitis, Goleta neighborhood services & public safety director.

The night focused on the entrepreneurial mindset, startup techniques, selling tactics, product validation, business finance plans and pitch presentations.

“The priority is on launching and growing a startup,” GEM executive director Dave Adornetto said. “Our goal is to try to help them take the next step and help get them prepared for real life.”

Innovative businessmen and businesswomen had an opportunity to connect with professionals who could invest in the product or help them refine their plans and pitches during the event.

Six teams made a formal investor-like speech, followed by a product demonstration where the groups interacted with guests about their services.

“The teams range from a wide variety of industries and are at different stages of development,” Adornetto said. “We want to create an environment of networking and mentorship.”

Representatives from DermaChill, Dog Spot, EV Match, SoundCrutch, Urbavore and Vibe took the stage for a Shark Tank-style presentation.

By Brooke Holland, Noozhawk Staff Writer