#United States #Arizona #Tempe, Arizona #Venture Madness #pitch competition

Venture Madness 2025: Finalists Announced

The excitement builds for the 2025 Venture Madness Conference, as Invest Southwest announces its 16 finalists for this year’s prestigious pitch competition. Scheduled for April 2-3, 2025, at the Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, the event promises to feature a robust lineup of innovative startups vying for attention and investment.

After a highly competitive selection process with over 125 applicants, the committee carefully evaluated each submission based on critical criteria such as business potential, innovative approach, leadership strength, competitive edge, and investment appeal. According to Tom Fulcher, Chair of Venture Madness, this year's selection showcases the dynamic future of innovation: "We are thrilled to introduce a new growth track this year, aimed at fostering startups that are prepared to scale. This addition will provide them with the specific resources and connections they need to attract investment and continue their growth journey."

Meet the Finalists

The selected finalists come from diverse backgrounds and regions, bringing a wealth of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Here's a closer look at the finalists:

• - Ask Ms. Kay - Tempe, AZ
• - BMSEED LLC - Mesa, AZ
• - Business Genie - Mesa, AZ
• - Calviri, Inc - Phoenix, AZ
• - EnKoat - Chandler, AZ
• - HemaSense - Flagstaff, AZ
• - HOA.com - Chandler, AZ
• - Ink'd Greetings - Phoenix, AZ
• - Metfora Diagnostics - Tucson, AZ
• - Parent Projects - Tempe, AZ
• - Precision Epigenomics Inc. - Tucson, AZ
• - RDI - Tempe, AZ
• - Rezliant - Mesa, AZ
• - Sense Neuro Diagnostics - Cincinnati, OH
• - Valence Intelligence Systems - Tucson, AZ
• - VelocitiPM - Phoenix, AZ

These companies will compete not only for significant cash prizes but also for the invaluable opportunity to gain recognition and secure funding from leading investors.

Event Highlights

The 2025 Venture Madness event is poised to attract approximately 350 accredited investors, entrepreneurs, service providers, and thought leaders from various industries. Participants can expect to engage in networking sessions, gain insights into emerging market trends, and discover some of the region's most promising early-stage companies.

As Arizona's longest-running venture capital event, Venture Madness has had a massive impact, helping startups raise over $1 billion in funding since its inception back in 1992. Karen Katzorke, the organization's President and CEO, emphasized the significance of this year’s event. "As Arizona's startup community continues to thrive, we are committed to connecting accredited investors with high-potential, innovative companies. Our aim is to create exclusive networking opportunities, offering access to startups poised for growth."

Event Details

• - Dates: April 2-3, 2025
• - Location: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ
• - Tickets: Available at venturemadness.com

With support from the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) as the diamond sponsor, the conference aims to create an environment where investors can connect with top-notch startups in the state.
The initiative over the past decade has enabled Venture Madness to cultivate a vibrant community of investors, entrepreneurs, and mentors fostering an ecosystem conducive to startup success.

Past Success Stories

Several previous winners from the Venture Madness competition have gone on to achieve remarkable milestones and secure significant investments. Companies like Retisio, an AI-driven digital commerce leader, Rovicare, renowned for its healthcare management software, and Quibble, an innovator in vacation rental management, exemplify the caliber of startups that continue to emerge through this competition.

About Venture Madness

Venture Madness by Invest Southwest serves as Arizona's premier non-profit organization fostering connections between investors and early-stage startups. Through a range of events and programs, the organization provides crucial resources to encourage startup growth, offering mentorship and guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors alike.

By blending a pitch competition with a capital conference, the 2025 Venture Madness Conference and Expo is set to be Arizona's largest gathering of emerging companies and innovative investors, reinforcing the state’s status as a prominent innovation hub.

To learn more about the event, competition details, or to purchase tickets, please visit venturemadness.com.