On September 7, more exciting entrepreneurial pitches will be coming to Troy with the launch of the fourth season of StartUp Tech Valley. This monthly meetup allows early-stage startups to pitch their companies to other entrepreneurs, potential investors, and customers.
The program provides a common ground to engage and inspire entrepreneurial activity and discussions in Rensselaer students, the community, and beyond. The events are designed for individuals interested in entrepreneurship to be able to launch a new venture to the public, demo/pitch new products for feedback (and potential initial customers and investors), and meet others in the ecosystem who want to help.
“Startup Tech Valley creates not only pitching and networking opportunities, but support and energy for these new ventures as they develop, grow, and improve their businesses,” said Jason Kuruzovich, associate professor and director of the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship. “The program also seeks to improve the region’s economy and keep the focus on innovation strong.”
Startup Tech Valley is administered by the Rensselaer Paul J. ’69 and Kathleen M. Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship, located in the Lally School of Management, and sponsored by numerous local community partners. Each month, more than 200 people gather in Revolution Hall in Troy to hear learn how they can offer a hand-up to the startups in Tech Valley. The Severino Center launched Startup Tech Valley in the fall of 2013 with a few panels of entrepreneurs and then moved to highlight five startups per event. The group celebrated a milestone of 100 presenters in April 2016.