We are excited to announce the presenting companies for the January 9, 2025, VC Fast Pitch:
HighRewards presented by Joshua Lamb
HighRewards is revolutionizing the cannabis industry with a rapidly growing shopping rewards app that creates a new digital marketplace, driving customer acquisition and retention for dispensaries and brands. In just three months, the platform has secured two of the top five national cannabis retailers as clients, grown to over 30,000 users, and achieved a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) exceeding $20,000. By offering cashback, personalized deals, and exclusive promotions, HighRewards helps businesses attract loyal customers while providing valuable consumer insights. Positioned for scalability and continued expansion, HighRewards is redefining cannabis marketing. Learn more at www.highrewardsapp.com.
LVED presented by Terry Anderton
LVED was founded by experienced technology entrepreneurs from MIT & UNC responsible for tech exits worth over $500M. This team developed the LVED platform to modernize & democratize estate planning. 80% of the nation’s wealth is held by those 65 & older, yet 50% of people don’t even have a will. The LVED platform makes it easy to create, manage, and execute a comprehensive legal estate plan that is always up to date at a price anyone can afford. https://www.lved.com
Wave Array presented by Jim DiLorenzo
WaveArray Antifouling Systems, LLC develops innovative, eco-friendly solutions to combat marine biofouling. Our patented ultrasonic technology prevents algae and barnacle buildup on boat hulls without toxic paints, reducing maintenance costs, improving fuel efficiency, and protecting marine ecosystems. Backed by NSF funding and proven results, WaveArray offers a scalable, sustainable alternative to traditional antifouling methods. With growing regulatory pressure against harmful coatings, our solution positions us as a leader in the $120 billion US antifouling market and beyond. We’re driving the future of clean boating with technology that’s effective, safe, and environmentally responsible. https://www.wave-array.com/
BlueprintMusic.io presented by Phil Ryan
BlueprintMusic.io is a revolutionary platform bridging Web2 and Web3, designed to empower artists and superfans. It integrates music experiences with the BlueprintToken, offering fans exclusive access and rewards while creating a sustainable revenue model for artists. Leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology, BlueprintMusic.io enhances engagement, community building, and transparency in the music industry, redefining how fans and artists connect. blueprintmusic.io
Apriority Financial presented by Tony Willcox
Apriority is making debt as intelligently optimized as investments by analytically assessing $17T of debt through a borrower-first lens. Built by high frequency trading and data science founders, Apriority continually scours rates deploying sophisticated refinance & restructuring analytics on both existing and new loans. Apriority provides active debt management as a service through a B2B2C model which enables recurring revenue, replaces lead-gen inefficiencies, and drives high value at low cost into multiple sectors. Launched in 2023 and raising $1.5M for growth and GTM trials, Apriority is poised to reinvent the mechanics behind the single largest expense in people’s lives. https://apriority.ai/
The Healthy Aging Company (THAC) presented by Christian Brechot
THAC is a privately-owned biopharmaceutical company which targets age-related diseases and Alzheimer’s diseases, a major unmet medical need.
The company is located both in the United States (University of South Florida, registered in Delaware) and Paris. The executive team offers high level expertise in both science and product development and business. International Key Opinion Leaders are mobilized beside the team, who are FDA and EMEA consultants.
The Company develops ALF-575, a First-In-Class drug candidate with a unique and innovative anti-oxidative mode of action, restoring sensitivity to insulin and acting as a tissue repair and anti-inflammatory molecule. Excellent preclinical results have been obtained which demonstrate blood-brain barrier crossing and significant improvement of cognitive disorders in mouse models of Alzheimer. The preclinical package including results is finalized. The pharmacological properties as well as safety profile have been previously demonstrated in patients with liver diseases. The company is raising five million US dollar to initiate a phase 1/2a clinical study. Return on investment is planned in 2028 (partnering or acquisition). https://www.thac.fr/
Spot Fitness App presented by Adam Ben-Evi
Spot is a 5-star mobile app that helps users find personalized places to get active, discover fitness events and activities, and connect with like-minded individuals. Through the Active Lifestyle Generator, Spot empowers people to build and sustain an active and healthier lifestyle by providing tailored recommendations based on their interests and locations, making it easy to coordinate and follow through on physical activities. Additionally, Spot supports businesses in the fitness and wellness space by offering performance-based advertising, where businesses pay only for promotions that users redeem on-site. For more information, visit https://www.spotfitness.app/
Shopraise presented by Shaun Kulesza
ShopRaise is harnessing the power of shopping for good, by combining the act of shopping with the act of giving. The ShopRaise technology platform monetizes the everyday shopping experience by turning supporter’s everyday purchases into charitable donations. Our dynamic shopping experience allows causes to raise more funds, retailers to sell more products and supporters to help their favorite cause, all at the click of a button!
· $450k in revenue 2024 (100% growth)
· User average 3.5 transactions/mo and monthly ARPU of $134
· Added 12,000 retailer partners (including Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon), and thousands of nonprofits onboarded http://shopraise.com
“Why startups should protect their IP” presented by Derek Fahey Derek is an engineer, registered patent attorney and one of the managing partners of The Plus IP Firm, PLLC. Derek’s practice is focused on creating, monetizing and enforcing intellectual property assets in the MedTech, software and e-commerce industries. www.plusfirm.com
