From November 4 to November 6, Startup Weekend SCV, sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita, challenged over 40 developers, designers and entrepreneurs to work together and build a startup company in just 54 hours. As part of a global movement, this event, which is completely led and organized by volunteers, offers attendees the opportunity to test new concepts in a challenging, engaging and risk-free environment.
The weekend began on Friday evening with attendees pitching their business ideas. From there, the group voted for the top pitches, teams were formed and the work began. On Saturday, the event continued with prototype building, resource and customer development, one-on-one coaching and feedback from local mentors. The event concluded on Sunday with presentations to a panel of judges that included product developers, investors and other entrepreneurs.
Arin Williams, winner of a pair of free tickets to the event from the Facebook competition held by the City of Santa Clarita said, “The Startup Weekend SCV event was incredible. In fact, my own startup has now become a concrete reality because I got to hook up with a developer who had the skills to bring it to life.” Arin’s startup team tied for second place in the competition.
The first place winner was SafeClub, a Facebook messenger software that will help educate consumers on car insurance choices in simple language, and let them quote and bind insurance packages without an agent. Tied for second was Let’s, an app to help groups plan where to eat based on everyone’s tastes and preferences, and Rangle, an app that empowers citizen journalists to capture footage of local events for media outlets that pay for the coverage.
The audience choice award went to Jam, an app to help musicians plan spontaneous local jam sessions, music lessons and professional collaborations.
The first place team won an investor sit-down, $1,500 credit to Steamwork Center, a new premier shared work and event space in Santa Clarita and $500 in cash. All participants received a free day pass and great offers at Steamwork Center, including a $50 credit toward membership.
Startup Weekend SCV was the final event in the City’s month long celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship during Innovate Santa Clarita. Innovate Santa Clarita events included Santa Clarita Business Incubator entrepreneur highlight videos, networking events, a speaker event and pitch day to prepare for Startup Weekend SCV. As part of the City of Santa Clarita’s dedication to entrepreneurship and innovation, the City was a proud partner for Startup Weekend SCV. The event encourages and values entrepreneurship in the City, and is directly in line with the City’s small business programs and the Santa Clarita Business Incubator.
For highlights of Innovate Santa Clarita, search the hashtag #inSC on social media. To find out more about the Santa Clarita Business Incubator, visit ThinkSantaClarita.com. If you’d like to find additional information about Startup Weekend SCV, visit StartupWeekendSCV.com.
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