Mayor Penserga addresses audience
“We are so proud to have the Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway in the City of Boynton. The opportunity to support our entrepreneurs and events like these drive the innovation that we want to see in our community,” said Mayor Ty Penserga as he addressed a group of founders, investors, and mentors at a pitch clinic in collaboration with South Florida Tech Hub. “Our entrepreneurs and small businesses are always welcome,” he continued.
Raised in Palm Beach County and a graduate of FAU himself, the high school chemistry teacher spent almost three years on the City Commission prior to being elected as Mayor in March 2022. Mayor Penserga says he is focused on bringing more jobs to the city, reported a recent WPTV news highlight.
FAU Tech Runway, based in Boca Raton, is an incubator and accelerator space for startups and entrepreneurs offering resources, mentorship and early funding opportunities through their TRIN Investors Network. A $50,000 grant was approved last year to open the satellite location in Boynton Beach.
“FAU Tech Runway is excited to open a satellite office in Boynton Beach and be part of the City’s effort to help entrepreneurs,” said Joshua D. Glanzer, Associate Vice President of Media Relations and Public Affairs at Florida Atlantic University.
In collaboration with South Florida Tech Hub, FAU Tech Runway, and the City of Boynton Beach, and sponsored by New World Angels, the “Tech Hub Pitch Clinic” was held within the newly renovated 1,850-square-foot, ground-floor innovation and collaborative office space at City Hall at Boynton Beach Town Square which also offers a library, café, and cultural center.
The pitch clinic was the first event of its kind within the space since completion of the renovation. Sponsored by New World Angels, guests were welcomed with lite bites, drinks, and a goody bag to take home.
Coaches for the evening included Ron Tarro, President at New World Angels, Jessica Miley, Managing Director at New World Angels, Tahl Milburn | Angel Investor at New World Angelsand Tech Hub Startup Committee Member, and Kuralay (Kuka) Elemesova, Founder at Old Bay Capital and Mentor at FAU TechRunway.
The startups and founders to pitch were:
– Synchronyx | Tamar Sapir
– ShowUp | Garrett Kellner
– Roomaters | Aaron Caplan
– DiaM Life Inc. | Lorenna Feliz Santos
– Berzus (Bancumbre) | Alejandro L Blanco Ardila
– CoinCustodian | Juan Carlos “JC” Carrion
Aaron Caplan
Aaron Caplan, Founder of Roomaters, told Tech Hub, ” The local pitch clinic was very helpful in getting constructive feedback by real investors, but without the added pressure that having capital on the line brings. It felt like a very safe environment to practice your pitch, no matter what stage you’re at in the startup journey.”
After positive feedback during the event, Aaron also added that the feedback was great because he had “been putting a lot of effort and practice into it [his pitch] lately and happy to hear that it’s being noticed.”
Jessica Beaver
“Having a strong pitch is vital for an entrepreneur seeking funding from potential investors. Pitch clinics, like the one give entrepreneurs a platform to practice their pitch in a safe, judgment-free setting while receiving feedback and guidance from active investors,” says Jessica Beaver, Director of FAU’s Tech Runway. She continued, “We look forward to co-hosting more of these in the future with South Florida Tech Hub, providing additional early-stage startups the opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from veteran investors.”
Photos here. 📸