If you’re a start-up or emerging business with a story to tell and a mission to achieve, we invite you to submit this application along with a brief (5 minute) video presentation that tells us about yourself, your company and your mission. Candidates will be evaluated based upon their ability to provide sufficiently clear and compelling information that positions them as a standout candidate for selection for the event.
This event has ended.
Join us at our SBAC Venture Pitch Session, hosted by 2112, where aspiring entrepreneurs and mid-sized businesses in growth mode will showcase their businesses. Three business will be selected to pitch in front a prestigious panel of judges and receive feedback. #VenturePitch
$15 for SBAC and 2112 Members
$25 for Non-Members
Keynote Speaker
Robert Blackwell, CEO & Founder of Killerspin and EKI Consulting
A technology industry leader with a career spanning nearly 30 years, Robert Blackwell Jr. has cultivated Electronic Knowledge Interchange (EKI) into a leading management and technology consulting firm well-known for its ability to respond to complex business challenges with efficient, intelligent and innovative solutions. Today he oversees the company, which currently employs more than 100 technology and business consulting experts.
Starting at IBM in 1981, Blackwell began his long career in building innovative systems that improve business operations. With a keen passion for entrepreneurship, he then went on to found several Chicago-based companies, including Urban Fishing Development, Bytewise International and Blackwell Consulting Services. A former professional table tennis player. Blackwell also founded Killerspin, the leading table tennis equipment, apparel and promotion company.
Blackwell is currently an active member of the Alliance of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs (ABLE), Executive’s Club of Chicago and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and in 2010 was selected as Chair of the Business Development Committee of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. He has also been a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Blackwell also services on the board of several civic organizations including After School Matters, The Belle Center in Chicago and Autism Speaks.
Panel of Judges
Chris Gersch, Founder & CEO - Verde Solutions
Anthony Zeoli, Partner - Freeborn & Peters LLP
Jessica Healey, Senior Acquisitions Analyst - Syndicated Equities
Kristi Dula, Network Relationship Manager - Pritzker Group
Rajiv Nathan, RajNATION Innovation
Pitch Companies
We will be announcing shortly!
Pitch Committee
Thank you to our fantastic Pitch Committee who help make these successful!
Leslee Cohen, Hershman Cohen
Tricia Meyer, Meyer Law
Brendan Walsh, RCM Wealth Advisors
Mike Cavanaugh, Co-Founder of SBAC
Kate Elisco, Elisco Communications
If you’re a start-up or emerging business with a story to tell and a mission to achieve, we invite you to submit this application along with a brief (5 minute) video presentation that tells us about yourself, your company and your mission. Candidates will be evaluated based upon their ability to provide sufficiently clear and compelling information that positions them as a standout candidate for selection for the event.
This event includes beverages, appetizers and networking followed by three startup pitches out of the Chicagoland area.
Event attendees grant 2112 inc and its designees permission to utilize their image or likeness in connection with any live stream or recorded transmission or reproduction of the event, INCLUDING THE PROMOTION THEREOF, IN ALL MEDIA, WORLDWIDE AND IN PERPETUITY.
