Pismo Ventures’ Post

Tonight's the night! Join us at Expert Dojo for an epic #AI_focused #PitchForce Learning Event where you'll learn what it takes to succeed as an AI startup, pitch your next big idea, and connect with investors ready to make moves! 💡💥 Come shine, build connections, and level up your AI game. Don’t miss it! 🚀 RSVP HERE: https://lnkd.in/epxdUwMe 🔥 See you tonight! 🔥 Brian Mac Mahon Armando Viteri Frederick Cary Ben Padnos Katherine Przygode Ramin Ramezani JJ Richa Roman Sandler Robin Stonesifer, CMP, PRC Max Shapiro

It was a rewarding experience serving as a judge at the ACE Pitch Competition finale during Innovation Day, hosted by The Brink SBDC, Connect and Stella Foundation. Congratulations to Ascender Systems 🏆 (1st place, $100K), Alleo Labs 🥈 (2nd place, $50K), and Lanuaria Therapeutics 🥉 (3rd place, $25K) for their innovative approaches to tackling key challenges. 🛠️Ascender Systems: Co-founded by Jorge M. and Ethan Muniz, they’re improving disaster response by deploying a climbing robot that quickly restores communication, lighting, and security in emergency areas. 🧠 Alleo Labs: Co-Founders J Ross, Ph.D. and Mohamedi (Mo) Kagalwala , this startup is developing precision therapeutics for Parkinson’s, using AI to target specific disease mechanisms. 💊 Lanuaria Therapeutics: Elena Brin and her team are advancing drug delivery systems to improve cancer treatment, aiming for better efficacy with fewer side effects. I had the privilege of representing NuFund Venture Group alongside esteemed judges like Maria Gonzalez-Blanch, JJ Richa and Hem Suri. Special thanks to Amy Duncan, Director of The Brink SBDC (which provides resources for startups in the San Diego region), for letting me be a small part of this. And a nod to Stella Foundation (supporting women founders through funding and resources) for helping make this competition possible. It was also incredible to see Connect turn Petco Park into a thriving Startup Village for a day, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. The energy and momentum in the San Diego startup ecosystem are growing, and there’s never been a better time to be a founder here. As Mike Krenn would say, SanDiegoisbetter com! #InnovationDay #SanDiegoStartups #NuFundVentureGroup #TheBrinkSBDC #StellaFoundation

Join us next week for pitch feedback during #catalyzeclub open office hours next week! Bring your 90 second pitch and join for investor feedback. JJ Richa Pismo Ventures Blink Ventures