The 14th Startup Runway Showcase was hosted virtually on May 6th, 2022. “Startup Runway is the largest platform introducing underrepresented founders to their first investors. This showcase is so important as it creates the space for underrepresented founders to be seen by key investors, angels and have the opportunity to compete for three $10k non-dilutive grants,” shared Mecca Tartt Executive Director of Startup Runway. Tune in HERE to watch the recap video.

After sifting through hundreds of applications 10 finalists presented at the showcase and each startup pitched to a group of investors who together represent $264 million in capital. The judges included Barry Givens of Collab Capital, Allyson Plosko of SpringTime Ventures, Rakesh Nankani of University Growth Fund, William Leonard of Valor Ventures, Ayanna Kerrison of Precursor Ventures, and Justin Williams of Pathway Bioventures. The showcase also provides underrepresented founders with access to mentors who guide them to proven resources to support their efforts.

Startup Runway is excited to award three grants, one of which is sponsored by a silent donor committed to ensuring that more women Startups have the capital needed to succeed. “I wish I had the same platform and opportunity that Startup Runway is providing to women Startups which is why it is important for me to pay it forward by providing The Women Empowerment Grant,” said the Silent Donor.

Kim MacKenzie our partner with Cox who is the Presenting Sponsor for Startup Runway shared, “When you look and see, women and people of color are significantly underfunded in venture and that’s something we want to change. That’s why we have been a very proud sponsor since 2016 with Startup Runway.”

After all of the pitches, three companies were awarded one of three grants: The Women’s Empowerment Grant, the Audience Choice Award, or the VC Judges Award. “It’s nice to be in a room where people are invested in seeing you grow as a Startup and want to have an impact on you. During the Mock board meeting I received great advice as a first time founder and female founder,” said Natalie Barbu Winner of the Audience Choice Award. 


Women’s Empowerment Grant-eStreamly. eStreamly has built a product that allows users to monetize their videos and livestreams and empowers creators to optimize their content with shoppable videos. Connect with eStreamly!

Audience Choice Award presented by AmFam Institute-Rella. Rella is an all-in-one management tool for content creators that helps influencers and content creators run all aspects of their business from one central location. Connect with Rella

VC Judges award presented by Cox-Kinometrix. Kinometrix has a goal of eliminating Hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) by revolutionizing the way clinicians monitor and mitigate risk status, starting with patient falls. Kinometrix employs the use of machine learning algorithms to build a real-time fall risk AI using EMR data. Connect with Kinometrix!

Here are the founders that were selected as finalists for the 14th showcase by distinguishing themselves from hundreds of applicants through their vision, determination, and execution:

Click To Learn More About Our 14th Cohort! 

About Startup Runway
The Startup Runway Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is the largest pitch event in the country for underrepresented founders. The mission of Startup Runway is to introduce top under-represented founders to their first professional investor. Underrepresented founders lead 40% of all startups, yet receive less than 5% of venture capital. Since its inception in 2016, Finalists in the program have been six times more successful at finding funding. One in three founders who pitched at Startup Runway successfully raised at least a seed round. More here: startuprunway.org

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