Pitch-a-Kid, Austin, TX (2026)

10/14/2024

Another Pitch-a-Kidis in the books! Congrats to Marissa Faris, MBA, for taking home first place from the panel of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade judges on Saturday at Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs. She explained her startup, BeamBloxx, so well that kids understood her business model, value proposition, market research, vision, and team better than the others. Congrats!

Some solid questions indeed from the panel of savvy judges:
"Why is your product valuable?"
"How many customers do you have, and how much money have you made?"
"How much experience do you have with lasers?"

BeamBloxx has created special goggles that protect your eyes while allowing you to see invisible lasers - similar to how sunglasses help you see better in the sun. It helps engineers, doctors, military professionals, and scientists do their jobs safely by seeing the lasers better.

Congrats again, and thank you to the startups at the Saturday event. I'm grateful you took the time to inspire young minds and pitch to the kids.

Thanks also to Christy Grady, Mellie Price, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas Venture Labs for hosting the event. We could not have done it without you. And thanks to our supporters and sponsors, including Marc Nathan, Andrew Tull, Juice Consulting, Ecliptic Capital, and Polarity Medical Technology.

10/03/2024

Attention Startups! We are looking for a couple more startup founders to pitch to the kid judges at our next Pitch-a-Kid. Do you have what it takes to communicate so effectively that even a kid will understand your company? If so, please sign up here:
https://www.pitchakid.com/judgepitch-signup

Our next Pitch-a-Kid is Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Texas, hosted by Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs! 📆

Special thanks to Christy Grady and Mellie Price for their help and support!

Pitch-a-Kid is a unique event where real entrepreneurs pitch their innovative company ideas to a group of young, sharp-minded kid judges! 🧒💡 It's like Shark Tank but with a twist that's both educational and fun.

Here's how it works: Kids are the judges (3rd, 4th, and 5th grades) armed with scorecards to evaluate how well entrepreneurs communicate crucial aspects of their businesses, including the business model, value proposition, market research, vision, and team. If it doesn't make sense to a kid, it probably won't make sense to anyone else! Or an investor! 🤔

And there is validated parking! Woohoo!

Sign up today!

09/25/2024

Attention Magellan International School parents! We are looking for a few more fantastic IB Learners, Thinkers, Risk-Takers, Communicators, and Inquirers in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades to judge the next Pitch-a-Kid. It's like Shark Tank, but the kids are judges. It's fun and educational, and there is free parking!

It is on Saturday, October 12th, at 10 a.m. at the University of Texas at Austin.

As a former Magellan parent, I know firsthand how well the school prepares young minds for success.

Please consider signing up your kiddo to be a judge to expose them to the world of entrepreneurship and experience having real entrepreneurs pitch their company ideas to them. They will learn about pitching, technology, careers, and various industries.

Please sign up today here: https://www.pitchakid.com/judgepitch-signup

Marian Millard
Christy Grady
Mellie Price
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas Venture Labs

09/24/2024

🚀 Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the upcoming Pitch-a-Kid on Saturday, October 12th at 10 am, hosted by Texas Venture Labs! 🌟 Sign up your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade kiddo to judge here: https://www.pitchakid.com/judgepitch-signup

09/20/2024

Do you have a curious kid in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade? We still have a couple of openings for judges for the next Pitch-a-Kid, scheduled for October 12th at 10 a.m. at the University of Texas at Austin. But they are going fast!

Pitch-a-Kid is an event program in which real entrepreneurs pitch their company ideas to kids. The kids evaluate the pitches and learn about business, technology, and entrepreneurship. It's like Shark Tank, but the kids are judges instead of Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, and Barbara Corcoran.

And there is validated parking for Mom and Dad!

Please sign up your kiddo here:
https://www.pitchakid.com/judgepitch-signup

09/18/2024

What time is it? ⌚ It's Pitch-a-Kid time!

Our next in-person Pitch-a-Kid event is just around the corner:

Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Texas, hosted by Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs! 📆

Special thanks to Christy Grady and Mellie Price for their help and support!

Pitch-a-Kid is a unique event where real entrepreneurs pitch their innovative company ideas to a group of young, sharp-minded kid judges! 🧒💡 It's like Shark Tank but with a twist that's both educational and fun.

Here's how it works: Kids are the judges (3rd, 4th, and 5th grades) armed with scorecards to evaluate how well entrepreneurs communicate crucial aspects of their businesses, including the business model, value proposition, market research, vision, and team. If it doesn't make sense to a kid, it probably won't make sense to anyone else! Or an investor! 🤔

Do you have a kid in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade that would like to judge? We have SIX openings - first come, first serve. You can sign up today here: https://www.pitchakid.com/judgepitch-signup 🚀

And for the parents, there is validated parking! Woohoo!

Stay tuned for more details!

The University of Texas at Austin, Magellan International School, Austin ISD Pitch-a-Kid Marian Millard

07/24/2024

Business learning: What is a value proposition?

A value proposition is a special message that tells people why your product or service is excellent and better than others or alternatives. It explains how your product will solve or improve the customer's problem.

Some aspects of the value proposition:

* Relevance: How your product or service solves a problem or improves things for the customer.
* Specific Benefits: What benefits will the customer get from using it?
* Differentiation: What makes your product or service different from and better than others?

Some value proposition examples:

* The iPhone is unique because it looks great, is easy to use, and has many cool features that make life easier and more fun.

* Lululemon exercise shorts are fantastic because they are comfy, cool, and make you look good while you're playing and exercising.

* Nike shoes are unique because they help you to play your best, are comfy, and add a touch of style to your game.

A value proposition answers, "Why should a customer buy from you instead of others?" It tells customers what makes your product amazing and why people should buy it.

07/17/2024

Watching and judging entrepreneurs pitch their companies offers kids a unique opportunity to learn valuable lessons that extend beyond traditional classroom education.

Critical Thinking

Watching and judging entrepreneurs pitch their companies can provide kids with valuable lessons in critical thinking and communication. They learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of business ideas, developing analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, observing how entrepreneurs present their ideas teaches the importance of clear and effective communication, as well as persuasion techniques, which are crucial in both business and everyday life.

Business Acumen

Exposure to entrepreneurial pitches also enhances kids' financial literacy and business acumen. They gain insights into basic economic principles, such as market demand and profitability, and are introduced to investment concepts. Understanding different business models and the importance of market research helps kids grasp how successful businesses operate and what makes a venture a good investment.

Innovation

Moreover, watching entrepreneurs encourages innovation and creativity. Kids see firsthand the entrepreneurial mindset and the process of bringing a product from concept to market, inspiring them to think creatively and develop their own projects. This exposure fosters an appreciation for resilience and persistence as they learn about the challenges and setbacks entrepreneurs face and overcome.

Soft Skills

Lastly, this experience teaches essential soft skills and practical applications. Kids observe leadership qualities and teamwork in action, inspiring them to develop their own confidence and collaboration skills. Connecting classroom concepts to real-world scenarios makes learning more engaging and relevant, while also exposing them to various career paths and industries, helping them explore their interests and aspirations.

This experience helps kids develop critical thinking, financial literacy, creativity, and essential soft skills, all while making learning more engaging and relevant to the real world.

https://www.pitchakid.com/blog/what-can-kids-learn-from-watching-and-judging-startup-pitches

07/10/2024

WHY KIDS ARE GREAT TO ASSESS STARTUP PITCHES

When evaluating startup pitches, most people envision seasoned investors or industry experts in the audience. However, an unconventional yet surprisingly effective group is increasingly being recognized for their unique insights: kids. Here's why children make great assessors of startup pitches:

Simplicity and Clarity

Kids demand clarity and simplicity. If a startup can explain its concept in a way that kids can understand, the pitch is likely clear and straightforward. Children cut through the jargon and complex explanations, forcing entrepreneurs to communicate their ideas in the most basic and understandable terms. This helps refine the pitch to ensure it is comprehensible to a broader audience, including potential customers and investors.

Unfiltered Feedback

Children are known for their honesty. They provide unfiltered feedback, which can be incredibly valuable for entrepreneurs. Unlike adults, who might temper their responses, kids will openly express whether they find an idea exciting or boring. This candid feedback helps startups quickly identify flaws or areas for improvement in their pitches.

Creative Thinking

Kids are naturally creative and imaginative. Their fresh perspectives can inspire entrepreneurs to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. Children often develop innovative ideas and solutions that adults might overlook, offering startups unique insights that can drive creativity and innovation.

Engaging Experience

Pitching to kids can be a fun and engaging experience for entrepreneurs. The interactive nature of presenting to children often leads to dynamic and lively sessions, making the pitch process less stressful and more enjoyable. This positive atmosphere can encourage more genuine and enthusiastic presentations from entrepreneurs.

Kids offer a unique and valuable perspective in assessing startup pitches. Their demand for clarity, unfiltered feedback, creative thinking, diverse perspectives, market insights, and engaging participation make them exceptional evaluators in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

06/16/2024

Sunday Morning Coffee Moment.

Happy Father's Day!

04/23/2024

🚀 Pitch-a-Kid This Saturday🌟

Are you looking for something fun to do with the kiddos?

The next Pitch-a-Kid event is this Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:00 am at the University of Texas, hosted by Texas Venture Labs! 📆

Get your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pitch-a-kid-hosted-by-texas-venture-labs-at-the-university-of-texas-tickets-877969619767

Pitch-a-Kid is a unique event where real entrepreneurs pitch their innovative company ideas to an audience of young, sharp-minded judges—kids! 🧒💡 It's like Shark Tank, but with a twist that's both educational and fun.

Here's how it works: Kids are the judges, armed with scorecards to evaluate how well entrepreneurs communicate crucial aspects of their businesses, including the business model, value proposition, market research, vision, and team. If it doesn't make sense to a kid, it probably won't make sense to anyone else! 🤔

And free parking for parents! Woohoo!

The Pitch-a-Kid event will be held in Crum Auditorium at Robert Rowling Hall (RRH 1.400). The address is 300 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, RRH 1.400, Austin, TX 78712. Texas Venture Labs will gladly validate your parking in any UT parking garage…the nearest UT parking lots are Robert Rowling Hall and AT&T Hotel & Conference Center. Both garage entrances can be found on 20th Street between University Ave. and Guadalupe St. The Dobie garage is NOT a UT garage. We recommend planning 15 minutes to transit from the garage to the classroom, as some find the maze of elevators and hallways confusing.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness the future of innovation in action!
🌠 Marian Millard Christy Grady Andrew Tull Marc Nathan Mellie Price Paul O'Brien Jim Bledsoe

04/17/2024

We need one more startup!

One slot is open for an extremely brave startup to pitch to the kids on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Texas, hosted by Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs! Do you have what it takes to communicate your startup so well that even a kid will understand it?

If so, please sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eDvyBQRw

Here's how it works: Kids are the judges (3rd, 4th, and 5th grades) armed with scorecards to evaluate how well entrepreneurs communicate crucial aspects of their businesses, including the business model, value proposition, market research, vision, and team. If it doesn't make sense to a kid, it probably won't make sense to anyone else! Or an investor!

What's at stake? First and foremost, you get the prestige and bragging rights of being a Pitch-a-Kid winner. And you may even win some prize money for your efforts! The winner will receive $100 for their efforts and time.

Christy Grady, Marc Nathan, Andrew Tull, Paul O'Brien, Robert Pieroni, Jim Bledsoe, Doug Bain, Mellie Price, Marian Millard, Julie Babic Korioth, Dana Michele Wildeboer

Pitch-a-Kid