Case Announces $100,000 Investment in the Female-Founded Companies Participating in Google for Entrepreneurs Demo Day.
WASHINGTON, D.C. & MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Today, Steve Case, chairman and CEO of Revolution and co-founder of AOL, made a surprise announcement at the second annual Google for Entrepreneurs Demo Day that he intends to invest $100,000 in each of the four female-founded startups that participated in the pitch competition. In addition to being represented by women, these companies also exemplify Case’s ‘Rise of the Rest’ concept – that great startups exist outside of the well-known Silicon Valley and New York areas. Recipients of a $100,000 investment from Steve Case during their next round of fundraising include Mati Energy (Durham, NC), InRentive (Chicago, IL), Loop and Tie (Austin, TX), and Seamless Planet (Montreal, Quebec).
This announcement follows a similar one Case made at the first ever Google for Entrepreneurs Demo Day in 2014 when he surprised the ten participating entrepreneurs with a $100,000 in each of their companies.
“These are impressive companies with amazing potential and are exactly the types of companies that I am excited to invest in. It is great to find such companies being led by the four women who appeared on-stage at today’s competition. I am mindful of the diversity challenges that still face the startup world, and I am proud to support these women launching their startups,” said Case.
The Demo Day brought together 12 selected startups to pitch their companies to an audience of investors, and receive feedback from judges, which included Case, Ann Winblad from Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, and Blake Byers from Google Ventures.
“All of the companies that participated today represent growing ‘Rise of the Rest’ regions and, not unlike last year, highlight the promise of entrepreneurial communicates in thriving ecosystems all over North America. It is very promising to see first-hand,” Case went on to say.
The four female-founded companies participating in the Google for Entrepreneurs Demo Day include:
Mati Energy (Durham, NC) – The first good-for-you and tasty energy drink, derived wholly from fruit juices and plant leaves.
InRentive (Chicago, IL) – InRentive’s platform fixes the data accuracy problem that plagues the apartment rental industry.
Seamless Planet (Montreal, Quebec) – The global distribution and channel management system for independent travel companies, providing inventory and booking information in real-time.
Loop & Tie (Austin, TX) – Helps companies send unique gifts and engage customers. No more gift baskets.
Contact:
Meredith Balenske, Revolution
office: 202-776-1413
mobile: 202-680-2479
meredith.balenske@revolution.com
