And the Winner of November's Big Gig was...
Last Tuesday evening we hosted our second virtual Big Gig Pitch-Off of the 2021/2022 season, and we had three great quality pitches!
The first entrepreneur of the night was Michael Odokara-Okigbo of NKENNE. NKENNE is the first African Language app on the market that gives users the opportunity to learn African languages and for new Americans to learn English. Our second entrepreneur was Jake Warn, pictured right, of SledTRX, a statewide interactive snowmobile map with a goal to connect all aspects of the snowmobile industry including the riders, clubs, organizations, and local businesses. Our third and final entrepreneur of the night was Noah King, pictured below, of Atten-X, a platform that offers consumer brands do-it-yourself market research, guided by experts.
In addition to our pitchers, we had three amazing business professionals judging the event and giving constructive feedback to the entrepreneurs. Our panel of judges included Peter Bissell, Co-Owner of Bissell Brothers Brewing and High Roller Lobster Co; Ashleigh Briggs, Owner of CoVort Coworking and Briggs Solutions for Business; and Jeff Laniewski, VP of Operations for Amplify Additive. While the judges deliberated, our "Big Rig" guest speaker, Owen McCarthy, Co-Founder of MedRhythms, had a Q&A session with our host, Renee Kelly, where he talked about his entrepreneurial journey and how his company teamed up with the world's largest record label to eventually be the first prescription music platform.
After the virtual audience and judges voted for their favorite entrepreneurs, Michael Odokara-Okigbo of NKENNE was named the winner and received the $500 sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank! He will move on to pitch in the Finale for $5,000 in April! Thank you to our Bootstrapping Sponsors, Maine Technology Institute and Eaton Peabody, and other awesome sponsors, to our fantastic judges, and everyone that tuned in to watch!
Be on the lookout for our next Big Gig Pitch-Off Finale on February 15th!
