#USA #Las Vegas #Alibaba #Daymond John #CoCreate

Alibaba.com Unveils Star-Studded Judging Panel for $1 Million CoCreate Pitch Competition's U.S. Final

Alibaba.com, a prominent name in the business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce landscape, has revealed the esteemed celebrity host and judging panel for its CoCreate Pitch competition's U.S. final. Scheduled for September 4-5, 2025, during CoCreate 2025 in Las Vegas, the competition promises to be a landmark event showcasing innovative product ideas from entrepreneurial talents across the nation.

The event will be hosted by the renowned entrepreneur and television personality Daymond John, famously known for his role as a “Shark” on the hit show Shark Tank. John has made a significant mark in the business world, founding the global fashion brand FUBU and authoring multiple best-selling books on finance and entrepreneurship. He will lead an all-star panel of judges that includes:

• - Lori Greiner: Another Shark Tank star, Lori holds over 120 patents and has a remarkable track record of creating and marketing more than 1,000 consumer products. Her success and keen eye for market potential have earned her accolades, including the Sherry Lansing 'Woman of the Year' Award.
• - Simu Liu: Known for his groundbreaking role in Marvel's Shang-Chi, Simu is not just an actor; he is also an investor and Chief Content Officer of MiLa. His experience in bridging cultures and supporting Asian-led startups adds a unique perspective to the panel.
• - Stephanie Mehta: As the CEO of Mansueto Ventures, Stephanie is a distinguished figure in business journalism, having led publications like Fast Company and Vanity Fair. Her insights into industry dynamics will be invaluable during the competition.
• - Everette Taylor: The CEO of Kickstarter, Everette has an impressive background in entrepreneurship and has been recognized for his innovative leadership. His experience with crowdfunding and creative projects positions him as an essential figure in evaluating pitches.

The Competition Landscape

With an overwhelming response from entrepreneurs, the CoCreate Pitch competition attracted over 20,000 entries, with only 70 semifinalists selected to showcase their innovative product ideas live. These finalists will compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool, which includes two grand prizes of $200,000 each, along with Alibaba.com sourcing credits.

The upcoming CoCreate 2025 event not only highlights the competition but also serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to connect with potential manufacturers and investors. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore over 20,000 product samples from trusted suppliers within Alibaba.com’s extensive network.

Moreover, the event will feature a unique business matchmaking experience, providing a chance for entrepreneurs to engage in targeted discussions with key decision-makers to fast-track deals.

The CoCreate Pitch is an integral part of Alibaba.com's mission to foster entrepreneurial growth and empower a new generation of business leaders. "Our aim is to simplify the process of conducting business globally, and through this initiative, we are providing the necessary resources and networks for upcoming entrepreneurs," said Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba.com.

With its extensive ecosystem and commitment to innovation, Alibaba.com continues to set the stage for transforming the entrepreneurial landscape, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their product ideas and business dreams.

For those eager to participate in this groundbreaking event, registration is open and more details can be found at CoCreate 2025 Registration.

As anticipation builds for the event, all eyes will be on the finalists as they take the stage, armed with innovative ideas and aspirations ready to captivate the esteemed panel of judges. The future of entrepreneurship looks bright with Alibaba.com leading the way in making business accessible and achievable for entrepreneurs around the world.