ResolveTO, a new Toronto conference hosted by the founders of Startupfest, has released the full details of the prizes available in its speed dating zone, which offers opportunities for investment and partnerships with large companies.
In the speed dating zone, companies have the chance to pitch to organizations and enterprises for a chance to collaborate. Participating companies include Mercedes-Benz, which is seeking new business models and approaches “that examine the intersection of customer data and sales.” Mercedes-Benz will select up to two startups for follow-on meetings with North American executives and a potential pilot of the startup’s tech in its locations across Canada, the US, and Mexico.
Other participants include the City of Toronto, which is offering $25,000 to startups pitching a bot solution that can learn and respond to basic business startup and growth inquiries; and Fujitsu, which is offering airfare and access to its Fujitsu World Tour to the startup that can pitch how they can improve and customize the retail experience. Fujitsu is looking for startups that are working in the areas of advanced image recognition for grocery and produce, body imaging for online fashion shopping, and mobile and social media apps.
“Team Startupfest prides itself on creating real value for all attendees. We try to be quirky and fun in our approach, but we always aim to be relevant,” said Phil Telio, founder of Startupfest and ResolveTO. “At ResolveTO we’ll have fun in a speed dating lounge, but what could be more relevant to startups than a good challenge and a real prize — like an investment, a client, or access to resources.”
The $100,000 investment prize, a staple at Startupfest, will also be up for grabs in the form of a convertible note to anyone registered to the event. Startups have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 26 to pitch to judges.
The full list of prizes in the speed dating zone can be found here. For companies travelling from Montreal or NYC, find discounted road trip opportunities here.
