Cubby Wins Haltech’s 2020 Hi5 Pitching Competition

By November 27, 2020December 15th, 2020Haltech Client Spotlight, Hi5 Pitch Competition

On November 26th, 2020, Haltech Regional Innovation Centre hosted its 7th Hi5 Pitching Competion. Embracing the virtual environment and adopting the tagline ‘Pitch with 2020 Vision’, the competition showcased 5-high potential Haltech clients who pitched their business to a panel of judges for a chance to win monetary prizes. 

Haltech Executive Director Introducing Hi5After the judge’s deliberation, Cubby, an app-based valet storage solution, was selected as the Winner of the 2020 Hi5 Pitch Competition. Jeffrey Ross, Cubby’s Co-Founder and CEO accepted the grand prize that included $5,000 cash, $1,500 worth of intellectual property services from Bereskin & Parr, and an interview with ZoneCast.  

Audience members were invited to vote for their favourite pitch resulting in SPOT, an employer-gig employee matching platform, receiving the People’s Choice Award of $1,000 in cash and an interview with ZoneCast.  

In preparation for the competition show down, the client companies devoted many hours of practice to perfect their pitch. With the support of Haltech Pitch Coaches, and educational workshops, the top 5 finalists: CubbyXProEMMy Well SelfQwhery, and SPOT delivered compelling 5-minute pitches, each pitch was evaluated by a panel of 5 industry judges using overarching criteria including: business concept, target customer and market problem, uniqueness to competition, go-to-market strategy, and overall presentation. 

Hi5 aims to provide innovative start-up companies with an opportunity to generate awareness of their technology, ability to present in front of a broad audience and exposure to industry partners. The pitching companies were given visibility in virtual booths to network and showcase their businesses. 

By moving the pitch competition online, Haltech welcome a diverse and larger audience including entrepreneurs, investors, sponsors, industry partners, and mentors. Through the power of technology – a virtual platform called Remo, Haltech’s in-person event was successfully mimicked to meet the conditions of today. 

The energy created at this year’s Hi5 Pitching Competition was no different than previous years. The Haltech community was able to virtually come together to see the talent, and innovations of the region. 

Hi5 is such an exciting opportunity to showcase the innovation stories and talented entrepreneurs in Halton Region. These presenting companies represent the hard work, resilience, and tenacity that serves as inspiration for all of us. I would like everyone in the community to think about how we can support.” – Shann McGrail, Haltech Executive Director 

Panel of JudgesThank you to our judging panel: David Wright, Cassio Capital Advisors Inc; Jamie Barron, BDO Canada LLP; Reema Duggal, Sitaran Group; Maria Wei, Bereskin & Parr; and Wes Mills, OKR Financial

Thank you to our event sponsors: BDO, Bereskin & Parr, and ZoneCast

Hi5 Sponsor Companies

As well as our mentors, talented clients, and everyone who attended the Hi5 Pitch Competition. Special thanks to Connect Event Hub for their help in putting this event together. 

 See you next year… in-person or virtual! 

Team Screenshot Hi5 2020

About Haltech Regional Innovation Centre

Haltech is part of Halton Region’s innovation ecosystem, working with technology companies to accelerate innovation for business growth. We support technology entrepreneurs and companies to group and scale their business with a wide range of free services that include: Business Advising & Innovation Support, Entrepreneur Skill Development and Corporate Innovation Partnerships

About BDO Canada

BDO is the world’s fifth largest full-service assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory network. Technology is a global focus industry for BDO with global resources invested in advancing our industry brand and presence. BDO serves thousands of clients ranging from start-ups to large international organizations. Known for its entrepreneurial culture, BDO understands technology companies, assists them with their strategies and helps them sustain their growth.

About Bereskin & Parr

Bereskin & Parr is a leading Canadian full service intellectual property law firm serving clients across all industries around the world. Founded in 1965, the firm has grown to be one of the largest IP firms in Canada with offices located in major economic and technology centres.

About ZoneCast

ZoneCast is a podcast interview series that features entrepreneurs, professionals and academics. Check out their latest episode featuring the winner of the Hi5 Pitching Competition, Cubby.

Shane Ropp

Author Shane Ropp

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