2014 Finalists Announced

· by Marily Butkovic

10 companies have been selected as finalists for LiON’S LAIR, a competition that offers finalists the chance to pitch their idea to a panel of industry judges—the “Lions”—and solicit over $100,000 in cash and in-kind resources.

“LiON’S LAIR is a fantastic opportunity for Innovation Factory and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to work closely with high-potential companies and reward them for their efforts in entrepreneurship,” stated Keanin Loomis, President and CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Hopeful participants submitted their business plans in April and each plan was evaluated based on the company’s product and commercial viability, ability to execute, and other factors by a panel of independent judges. The judge’s scores were tallied and this year’s top ten finalists are: ASTS, Formarum Inc., The Greenlid, Hangry Solutions Inc., QCumbr,Ranggo, Sound Options, Special Appucations, Tangobits, and VivaCity.

“This year’s LiON’S LAIR finalists offer a fantastic representation of the diverse businesses we see across our ecosystem,” stated Dave Carter, Executive Director of Innovation Factory.“Over the summer we’ll take them through training sessions to strengthen their skills in pitching, developing a compelling narrative, and handling questions and objections; ultimately preparing them to face the Lions.”

This year’s “Lions” are: Carmela Trombetta (RBC Royal Bank), Blair McKeil (McKeil Marine), Mario Paron (KPMG), Jeff Paikin (New Horizon Homes), and Tonia Jahshan (Steeped Tea).

Each finalist will participate in a pitch session with the “Lions” which will include the entrepreneur’s pitch followed by a question period. The “Lions” ultimately decide which companies receive cash and in-kind service investments from participating sponsors.

The pitch sessions will be filmed at Cable 14 and will be shown at the LiON’S LAIR Gala on October 2, 2014 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre. The “Lions’” investment decisions will be revealed live on stage at the Gala.