Article

Lean Startup Challenge Names 10 Semifinalists

Bernhard Kappe

Published on: December 6th, 2011

This post was previously on the Pathfinder Software site. Pathfinder Software changed its name to Orthogonal in 2016. Read more.

In September of this year, Todd Wyder and I organized the Chicago Lean Startup Challenge. It’s the opposite of a business plan competition. Instead of creating huge documents and proformas based on assumptions, contestants spend ten weeks making meaningful progress on their business based on real market feedback.

On October 1st, 146 startups answered the call, and entered “The Challenge”. After 8 weeks of accelerated experimentation, we are down to 10 semi-finalists. After December 8th only the four finalists will remain.

Who will be crowned the Lean Startup Champion, and collect $75,000 in cash and prizes?

Come to the finals on Thursday, December 15, and watch the four finalist pitch to a panel of judges and a select audience of 250 entrepreneurs, and investors. Network with other entrepreneurs and investors over beer and wine, listen to 4 fantastic pitches, and ask the finalists your own questions while they are on the hot seat in real time via twitter.

This event will sell out, so if you want to be a part of the biggest lean start up even of the year, sign up today.

The Semi-Finalists

myTalentloops

A new site that’s going to revolutionize the way human capital and opportunities are introduced, matched and placed. Whether you are a talent candidate or a talent seeker you will gain a commitment while saving time and money.

ScoutMeCoach

Connects college coaches with student athlete prospects so they can recruit while they sleep.

Say goodbye to filling out lengthy profiles and say hello to a more timely and cost effective recruiting experience, in a few clicks.

travel720

We help get your trip started, then turn your travel experiences into a gift registry.

SideStax

Connects your book to the power of online media, while preserving your reading experience. Our ebooks expand on what you’re reading, let you browse without leaving the comfort of your book and provide an intuitive system for navigating enhanced ebooks.

Vreaze

Making it easy to promote your vacation rental through social media

SoapBox

Is a controlled digital space, designed to improve student engagement by breaking down the barriers students face when deciding whether or not to participate in class, and gives teachers a concrete assessment of student comprehension, in real time.

myeuphoria.me

Myeuphoria is a mission driven Social Events Search Engine that provides responsive and efficient methods to promote social events by using a combination of marketing techniques to make your social event better and more desirable for the consumer. Let party for a Cause!

Property Panda

Developed to give landlords of all sizes the ability to minimize the time spent on their investment property while still maintaining a strong level of control. Property Panda gives property owners the tools to process applications electronically and safely including credit and eviction checks.

farmfixe

Is redefining local food, members gain access to our inspired selections of artisanal food.

RedRadius

The team at Red Radius is working hard to come up with a comprehensive, user friendly tool to help Medical Science Liaisons properly Identify and Establish relationships with key opinion leaders.

Who will win? Join us on the 15th to find out.