happening today: attend techcrunch’s free miami meetup to hear how to raise money from miami investors
TechCrunch City Spotlight: Miami Event Preview
A virtual gathering is scheduled to take place in Miami, often called the Magic City, within the next few hours. Since the announcement of our new Spotlight series, registration numbers have been strong, and the submissions for the pitch-off have been exceptionally promising.
This focused event is structured around three key components: networking opportunities, a competitive pitch-off, and an insightful fireside chat. Rebecca Danta, Managing Director of Miami Angels, and Brian Brackeen, General Partner of Lightship Capital, will lead the discussion.
Attendance is open to all, but the event is specifically designed to support and showcase innovators within the Miami area. Register here for this free event.
Meet the Miami Pitch-Off Companies and Judges
A thorough review process was undertaken to select the five companies that will present their ventures to our panel of judges today. We are confident that Miami’s most innovative startups will be well-represented.
Let's introduce the participating companies:
- Evan Leaphart will demonstrate how Kiddie Kredit offers a novel method for educating children about the connection between actions and financial outcomes.
- Lacey Kaelani, a seasoned casting professional, addresses the outdated and inefficient methods currently used in the industry. Casting Depot aims to modernize this process.
- Samella Watson, the founder of Sebiya, will emphasize the importance of accommodation as an integral part of the travel experience.
- Dan Saltman, recognizing the challenges individuals face in managing their digital footprint, presents Redact – a tool designed for a fresh start.
- D Marie Thompson, drawing from personal experience in the nursing field, established MyRa to address a critical issue impacting both herself and her peers.
The judges tasked with evaluating the pitches and selecting a winner and runner-up are:
- Alexis Alston, Senior Associate at Lightship Capital
- Patty Wexler, Managing Director at Starlight Ventures
- Laura González-Estéfani, Founder and CEO of TheVentureCity
Each company will have four minutes to deliver their presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with the judges. Following all pitches, the judges will deliberate for five minutes to determine the inaugural TechCrunch City Spotlight Pitch-Off champion.
For those unable to attend in Miami, the TechCrunch City Spotlight series will be extended to other locations. Upcoming events are planned for cities including Pittsburgh, Detroit, and various international hubs, as TechCrunch explores thriving tech ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley.
We aim to delve into the burgeoning tech landscapes across the United States and internationally.
Matt Burns
Matt Burns: A Profile of a Leading Technology Journalist
Matt Burns is an experienced journalist specializing in technology. He currently serves as Editorial Director at Insight Media Group, a position he assumed after a distinguished tenure as Managing Editor at TechCrunch.
Early Career and TechCrunch
Throughout his career, Burns has consistently demonstrated a talent for insightful reporting and editorial leadership. He dedicated over 15 years to TechCrunch, beginning as a contributor and ultimately ascending to the role of Managing Editor.
During his time at TechCrunch, he played a crucial role in the newsroom’s expansion and the successful execution of events like Disrupt and other TechCrunch gatherings.
Insight Media Group and Current Role
At Insight Media Group, Burns is responsible for directing editorial coverage and managing contributor programs across a portfolio of rapidly expanding technology publications.
Prior to his work with Insight Media Group and TechCrunch, he contributed articles to Engadget, further establishing his credentials in the tech journalism landscape.
The Resilience Conference
Burns is also the co-founder of the Resilience Conference, a unique event series focused on the convergence of defense, security, and innovative startup ventures.
He actively shapes the conference agenda, facilitates sessions, and spearheaded the creation of “Launch @ Resilience,” a platform designed to showcase early-stage companies developing technologies for national defense.
Areas of Expertise and Interviews
His reporting and moderation experience encompasses a wide range of technological fields, including AI, mobility, and frontier technologies. He also frequently addresses the significant challenges faced by technology companies.
Burns has conducted interviews with prominent figures, including world leaders, leading investors, founders of innovative startups, and CEOs of publicly traded companies.
Background and Interests
Originally from Michigan, with substantial experience in Silicon Valley, Burns combines a Midwestern perspective with a keen editorial sensibility.
Outside of his professional endeavors, he collaborates with teams to refine their messaging and validate their market entry strategies. He also enjoys camping near Lake Michigan when his schedule allows.