Whirled Notes Wins Haltech Hi5 Pitch Competition

By December 9, 2019August 21st, 2023Haltech Client Spotlight, Newsroom, Uncategorized

On November 26th, 2019, Haltech Regional Innovation Centre hosted its 6th edition of the Hi5 Pitching Competition at the Marquee at Sheridan College, Oakville. The public event showcased 5 high-potential start-up client companies of Haltech who had 5 minutes to pitch their business to a panel of industry professionals for a chance to win $5,000 in cash.

Primed for the competition with hundreds of hours of preparation time, including pitch practice, and educational events, client companies; Kidicted, KS Analytics, Zentap, Orpheus Medica, and Whirled Notes were tasked to deliver quick and compelling 5 minute pitches. These pitches were followed by a question and answer period by a panel of 5 industry judges, who evaluated the companies by using 5 overarching criteria including; business concept, target customer and market problem, uniqueness to competition, go-to-market strategy, and overall presentation.

After much deliberation, Whirled Notes, a music app that allows users to tactilely create acoustic toned electronic music through algorithms, was chosen as the overall winner by the judges. Accepting the award was Founder and CEO Scott Barkley, and CTO Charlie Macchia who took home the grand prize of $5,000 in cash, and $2,500 of in-kind service credits from Oziel Law’s A Law Carte.

Audience members were also encouraged to vote for their favourite contestant during the break following the same criteria used by the judges. This online vote resulted in Orpheus Medica, a therapeutic cannabinoid-based line of products, achieving the people’s choice award. This prize consisted of $1,000 in cash provided by BDO, and a $350 value of in-kind services from alternawork through a 6-month virtual office membership which includes access to meeting rooms, wifi, mailing address and mail handling.

Hi5 aims to create a unique space for high-potential technology start-ups in the Halton region to network and have a chance to win cash prizes and in-kind services from the community. The open event generally brings together a diverse audience including Haltech clients, advisors, mentors, investors, sponsors, and industry partners. The selected pitching companies are also given the chance to set up demonstration booths at the event to network and showcase their businesses before and after the pitching sessions.

Haltech Executive Director, Shann McGrail, describes the overarching benefit and intrigue of events like Hi5 as “… the opportunity to showcase up and coming technology companies in Halton Region. It’s a chance for the presenting companies to capture attention and share their stories. At the same time, it’s also a chance for the community to see the talent, work ethic and innovation ideas that are shaping up in their own backyard. Add competing for cash prizes into the mix, and you’ve got a fun evening.”

 

Thank you to our judging panel: Daniel Kube, SelectPath; Stephanie Holko, AM Dofasco; Aaron Bains, Aird & Berlis; Julie Ellis, Julie Ellis and Co., andJamie Barron, BDO Canada

Thank you to our event sponsors: TechPlace, Burlington Economic Development, BDO, Oziel Law, and alternawork.

 

 

About Haltech Regional Innovation Centre

Haltech is part of Halton Region’s innovation ecosystem, working with technology companies to accelerate innovation for business growth. We support technology entrepreneurs and companies to group and scale their business with a wide range of free services that include: Business Advising & Innovation Support, Entrepreneur Skill Development and Corporate Innovation Partnerships

 

About TechPlace

TechPlace is a one-stop destination for new and growing technology companies. With the support of partners from across the public and private sectors, it is dedicated to connecting, developing, and advancing entrepreneurs at all stages. This means providing access to space, programming, mentorship, networking, and resources that are fundamental to growing a business in today’s technology-driven marketplace. Led by the Burlington Economic Development, TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideas come together under one roof to create and promote opportunities for economic growth.

About Burlington Economic Development

Burlington Economic Development has a mandate to enhance the growth prospects of existing companies and bring new high-value firms to the community. Burlington Economic Development’s focus is on growing the economic base to sustain Burlington’s competitive and prosperous community. Burlington Economic Development is the first point of contact for companies looking to expand, start-up or locate in Burlington.

 

About BDO CANADA

BDO is the world’s fifth largest full-service assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory network. Technology is a global focus industry for BDO with global resources invested in advancing our industry brand and presence. BDO serves thousands of clients ranging from start-ups to large international organizations. Known for its entrepreneurial culture, BDO understands technology companies, assists them with their strategies and helps them sustain their growth.

 

About Oziel Law

A boutique startup and technology law firm that creates and uses technology to deliver the most optimized legal solutions, including A Law Carte, an on-demand legal services platform. Oziel Law works with a broad range of start-ups and medium-sized businesses in a range of industries such as software, robotics, gaming and e-sports, cannabis, blockchain and fashion/apparel.

 

About alternawork

alternawork is a coworking facility serving the thriving tech community in Oakville. alternwork offers private offices, dedicated workstations, shared boardrooms, and event space. Their state-of-the-art facility is fully furnished and designed by leading Canadian architects Diamond Schmitt. Located at Third Line & QEW and just steps from the Bronte GO, alternawork’s convenient location provides easy access throughout the GTA.

Haltech Team

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