TechCrunch Disrupt 2021: Startup Battlefield Finalists

Startup Battlefield 2021: Finalists Compete for $100,000

During the past 48 hours, a total of twenty companies participated in TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield. Their goal was to secure $100,000 and claim the coveted Startup Battlefield Cup.

Each participating venture was allotted a six-minute timeframe for delivering their pitch decks. Following the presentation, they faced a six-minute question-and-answer session with prominent investors and industry executives.

Selection of Finalists

Following careful evaluation by the judges and TechCrunch editorial staff, five companies were chosen as finalists. These are the startups advancing to the final round:

• Adventr
• Cellino
• Koa
• Nth Cycle
• Tatum

These five finalists will present their ventures once more on Thursday, September 23rd. This final presentation will coincide with the concluding day of TechCrunch Disrupt 2021.

The final pitch will be six minutes in length, followed by a nine-minute Q&A session. The questioning will be conducted by leading investors and executives from across Silicon Valley.

We extend our best wishes to all the finalists as they compete for the grand prize.

Tatum

Tatum functions as a blockchain infrastructure provider, aiming to simplify the process of building applications leveraging blockchain technology.

The company delivers a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solution, abstracting away the complexities of node management and client interaction.

Core Functionality

Instead of requiring developers to independently manage blockchain nodes, Tatum handles this infrastructure component.

This allows developers to focus solely on application logic, rather than the underlying blockchain mechanics.

Benefits of Using Tatum

• Reduced Complexity: Eliminates the need for in-depth blockchain infrastructure knowledge.
• Faster Development: Speeds up the development lifecycle by providing pre-built tools and services.
• Scalability: Offers a scalable infrastructure to accommodate growing application demands.
• Cost Efficiency: Potentially lowers costs associated with maintaining and operating blockchain nodes.

By offering a managed service, Tatum lowers the barrier to entry for developers interested in integrating blockchain functionality into their projects.

The platform supports interaction with a variety of blockchain clients, providing flexibility for different use cases.

Nth Cycle's Innovative Recycling Technology

Nth Cycle has engineered an electro-extraction system distinguished by its compact size and efficient processing capabilities.

This system occupies an area of under 1,000 square feet and is capable of handling 5 tons of material daily.

This represents a significant advantage over conventional, large-scale recyclers who rely on hydro- and pyrometallurgical methods.

These traditional techniques typically demand substantial capital investment and result in a larger operational footprint.

Processing Black Mass into Valuable Minerals

The Nth Cycle system is designed to process “black mass,” a fine, powdery residue created during battery recycling.

Through its unique process, this waste material is transformed into commercially valuable minerals.

Specifically, the system recovers essential elements such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese.

This allows for a more sustainable and resource-efficient approach to battery recycling.

Koa

Koa has identified a significant opportunity to expand access to banking solutions within Kenya. The company’s initial offering is a savings application, enabling users to make deposits, accumulate savings, and accrue interest on their funds.

Following its beta launch in April 2021, Koa has successfully registered approximately 5,000 customers utilizing its savings platform.

Recognizing that savings products represent a readily accessible entry point for fintech applications, the CEO has articulated a strategy for Koa to diversify its offerings with additional financial products in the future.

The long-term vision for Koa involves a broader suite of services designed to meet evolving customer needs.

This expansion is intended to solidify Koa’s position as a key player in Kenya’s growing fintech landscape.

Koa aims to become a comprehensive financial services provider for a wider segment of the Kenyan population.

Cellino

Cellino is an innovative firm focused on the automation of stem cell production processes.

The company integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, specialized hardware, and sophisticated software – including laser technology – to broaden access to cell-based therapies.

Core Objectives

A primary goal of Cellino is to substantially reduce the expenses linked to the manufacturing of human cells.

Simultaneously, the platform is engineered to enhance the quantity of cells produced, thereby improving overall yields.

By streamlining the production pipeline, Cellino seeks to make advanced cell therapies more readily available to a wider patient base.

This is achieved through a comprehensive approach that leverages cutting-edge technologies across multiple disciplines.

Key technologies utilized by Cellino include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning
• Precision Hardware
• Advanced Software
• Laser Systems

Adventr

Adventr, initially released in beta during August 2020, has established itself as a platform offering an accessible interface for interactive video creation.

The platform empowers users to construct engaging experiences through a simple drag-and-drop functionality.

Interactive Content Creation

To date, a substantial user base has leveraged Adventr to develop a diverse range of interactive content.

These creations span various applications, including educational modules designed for children with a space exploration theme.

Furthermore, the platform has been utilized by prominent brands for marketing purposes.

Notable Clients

Marc Jacobs and LVMH, both leading names in the luxury fashion industry, are among the clients who have employed Adventr to produce promotional videos.

This demonstrates the platform’s capability to cater to the sophisticated needs of high-profile businesses.

Thousands of interactive experiences have been built, showcasing the versatility of the Adventr platform.

The platform’s ease of use allows individuals with varying technical skills to create compelling and dynamic video content.

Adventr continues to evolve, providing innovative tools for interactive storytelling and engagement.

Its focus remains on democratizing video creation and empowering users to connect with their audiences in new and meaningful ways.

The platform’s success is evidenced by its growing user base and the caliber of clients it attracts.

Adventr is positioned as a key player in the evolving landscape of interactive video technology.

From educational resources to high-end marketing campaigns, Adventr facilitates the creation of impactful and memorable video experiences.

The platform’s intuitive design and powerful features make it a valuable asset for creators across diverse industries.

The initial beta launch in 2020 laid the groundwork for a platform that is now shaping the future of interactive video.

Adventr’s commitment to user-friendliness and innovation ensures its continued relevance in a rapidly changing digital world.