Five semifinalists, including three from the Valley, competed in the exciting live pitch event at Talking Stick Resort in front of a panel of experts, including Daymond John from ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
The tension was high and everyone competing was on their A-game, as they knew what was at stake. The judges had specific ideas of what they were looking for in the entrepreneurs.
In a press briefing prior to the event John said, “I look to see if the entrepreneur is aware of their product and their customer. I want to know that they’ve sold this in some sense and there is a need and desire for it. They need to say something within their pitch that will immediately resonate with the people. I also want to see that they have made a couple small mistakes, but have learned from them.”
In the end, Larell One-Step Denture, based in Carmel Valley, Calif., won $20,000 Tap the Future™, Miller Lite’s business competition. The Larell One Step Denture System creates functional, esthetic dentures that can be made in one visit in about an hour with no laboratory cost or time needed. The team will now move on to the final competition in December where their company can win the $250,000 grand prize.
The other Valley-based businesses that competed included:
Arden Reed, a mobile custom tailor, can help you “get the ‘Bond look’ in seven minutes or less”. Their Trailer Truck will drive to your office and measure you using their 3D body scanner, providing you with a perfect-fitting suit in minutes! A stylist is also on board to assist you in picking out suit styles and colors. Learn more here.
Showstoppers Soft Serve Frozen Treats serves ice cream directly from a state of the art vending truck. Read more about them on the Tap the Future website here.
Duo Kitchenware, an Arizona State University Edison Student Entrepreneur Initiative 2013-14 Cohort, developed low cost and beautiful kitchen products for individuals with all levels of physical disabilities. Learn more here.
Five teams with the most fan votes will also win $10,000. Vote for our Valley’s companies here.
Learn more about our Arizona startups here.
