#USA #Las Vegas #Alibaba.com #CoCreate Pitch #REEKON Tools

Introduction

On September 10, 2025, Alibaba.com held a grand event in Las Vegas unveiling the winners of the U.S. edition of CoCreate Pitch, the world's most extensive pitch competition focused on products. This year, the platform received an overwhelming number of nearly 25,000 applications, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit present around the globe. The event demonstrated Alibaba.com's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and promoting innovative ideas.

The Competition

The CoCreate Pitch competition serves as a crucial platform for startups and entrepreneurs seeking financial backing and exposure. With a prize pool totaling $1 million, participants were vying for a chance to win a significant amount toward advancing their business. The competition was fierce, and after an elaborate selection process, it was narrowed down to just a handful of finalists who pitched their ideas live in front of an audience and judges.

The U.S. segment concluded on September 5, where one entrepreneur was awarded the grand prize of $200,000, while ten finalists received $40,000 each. Interestingly, the prizes are structured to be divided equally between cash and Alibaba.com sourcing credits, incentivizing participants to invest back into their businesses through the platform's offerings.

Grand Prize Winner

This year’s grand prize was awarded to Christian Reed, the mind behind REEKON Tools Inc.. His innovative company specializes in digital measuring tools that pair with sophisticated software, effectively revolutionizing how data from home improvement projects and construction sites is captured and organized. Reed’s unique device automates the measurement process—eliminating manual note-taking and sketching—allowing users to obtain accurate dimensions and layouts with just a button press.

Notable Finalists

In addition to Reed, ten finalists emerged as standout contenders worthy of recognition:
1. Logan Cuvo (Best Dam Tape): Developed a high-performance sports tape designed for durability and grip, reducing the need for frequent re-taping and ultimately saving costs for athletes and teams.
2. Kate Harvey (BirdieBlue): Focuses on sustainability by transforming retired ski and snowboard equipment into fashionable and water-resistant bags, preventing an impressive 8,000+ pieces of technical apparel from entering landfills.
3. Katherine Calderon (Club Girl Golf): Created the Monarch Putter, a premium blade-style golf club engineered for women, featuring a patented adjustment system to enhance performance.
4. Jimmy Zollo and Taylor Thoen (Joe Bella): Innovated stylish clothing with concealed magnetic closures, aimed at aiding people facing mobility or cognitive challenges without compromising on fashion.
5. Sara Chen (Pangoo Apparel): Specializes in outdoor apparel that not only champions curvy figures but also tells underrepresented stories in the outdoor community.
6. Addie Gundry (Pluie, Inc.): Introduced Pluie, the first self-sanitizing diaper-changing table designed especially for public restrooms, enhancing convenience for parents on the go.
7. Karen Bonnici (Super Blanky, LLC): Created the Super Towel, a patented wearable beach towel designed for active families, featuring flat pocket sleeves for better usability.
8. JJ and Susanna Chan Richardson (SWIFF): Developed an odor-eliminating spray designed to maintain freshness for clothes, upholstery, and household items.
9. Jess Wu and Susana Chen (Never Have I Ever Shop): Integrate art and culture into beauty accessories like press-on nails and body adornments, promoting self-expression and creativity.
10. Brittany Harvey (Vonu): Designed the Burplee, a unique infant lounger aimed at relieving discomforts like reflux, while supporting safe and engaging tummy time.

Reflections on the Event

Liz Wang, Alibaba.com's Global Head of Commercial Strategy, noted, "This year's CoCreate Pitch competition offered a clear window into the state of entrepreneurship today. We congratulate not only the grand prize winner and top 10 finalists but also all the semi-finalists who pitched live in Las Vegas, standing out from 25,000 applications."
The competition emphasizes Alibaba.com’s commitment to being a resource for entrepreneurs around the world, allowing them to leverage AI technology, supply chain adaptability, and a robust network of resources. Each participant is considered a vital part of the Alibaba community, and the platform plans to continue supporting their growth journey.

Looking Ahead

The completion of this year's U.S. CoCreate Pitch marks the beginning of Alibaba’s partnerships with emerging entrepreneurs. The platform now sets its sights on the upcoming CoCreate Pitch European edition, scheduled for November 14 in London, where entrepreneurs can compete for a share of an additional $400,000 in prizes. Applications for this segment are set to close by October 15, with hopeful participants encouraged to showcase their pitches online via social media platforms.

In conclusion, the CoCreate Pitch serves as an inspiring testament to the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation in today’s economy. With Alibaba.com at the forefront, the future of business appears promising for those willing to embrace creativity and resilience.