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SwitchPitch: What innovation projects do big companies need that startups can provide?

We’ve all been to pitching events where startups present their solutions to gain investor interest or win prizes. How about an event where big companies present actual project needs to an audience of startups who can help them?

Logo-switchpitch023SwitchPitch, an event that invites established companies to pitch their technology needs to vetted startups in a role reversal, will hold its first Miami event on Feb. 20, 2013, from 1:30pm-6:30pm at The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse. Following the event, the startups can bid on projects through SwitchPitch’s online submission platform. SwitchPitch team members will then help review the bids and connect large companies with startup partners for their projects.

The Weather Channel, Young & Rubicam, Mobifusion and Celebrity Cruise Lines are among the confirmed presenting companies for the event, which is supported by $20,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

GoldsteinMichael Goldstein, SwitchPitch’s CEO (pictured here), says it’s more than just networking – this event is about  deal-making. “SwitchPitch creates revenue-producing deals to bolster the growth of the local startup community. Large corporations will be able to complete projects in a more efficient, entrepreneurial time frame and build relationships with future technology leaders, while startups will have the chance to ramp up their customer acquisition base, building long-term lasting relationships and bring in revenue-generating business,” he said in the press release.

For example, at SwitchPitch DC, companies presented more than $200,000 in projects to more than 350 startups, and at SwitchPitch NYC companies presented more than $500,000 in projects to more than 450 startups. Founded in 2012, SwitchPitch plans to hold annual events in  Washington, D.C., New York City, Miami,  San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, London and others. 

Early-bird tickets are available at $49 until Feb. 12, or $79 thereafter. To become a presenting company or sponsor, or attend the event as a qualified startup, visit www.switchpitch.com.

 

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