Seattle's only venture conference devoted to Consumer and CPG​

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Join us for this unique event in Seattle's venture-scale startup scene.

The Launchpad Expo series runs approximately ten times per year, each time devoted to a specific industry vertical. ​​This particular Launchpad Expo event is a reflection of the sea change that has occurred in this sector, in the Pacific Northwest region. An estimated 20% of angel investments have gone into Consumer and CPG companies in the past two years, marking the first time that this sector has been placed "on the map" for locally-based investors. While Seattle is still dominated by tech, aerospace, and life sciences, Consumer and CPG have finally come into their own.

In this second edition of the event for Consumer & CPG (the first was held on Sept 26, 2024), ten highly-vetted startups in the sector will be presenting to an expert investor panel and an audience of accredited investors. This conference is for early stage (pre-seed, seed and Series A) private and institutional investors.

​Schedule

​1:00-1:30 PM Registration​

1:30-1:45 PM Conference Opening and Introductions

Ron Wiener, Chief Mechanic @ Venture Mechanics
Greta Remington, CMO @ Venture Mechanics

1:45 - 2:30 PM Keynote Speaker: Cameron Gould-Saltman


First Round Presentations​‍

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Judges: TBA

Five highly-vetted Consumer/CPG startups will compete for top spot. Each of the companies will have 12 minutes to pitch, followed by 8 minutes of Q&A with the investor panel, and 8 minutes of Q&A with LPs in the audience.​

2:35 - 3:05 Company 1
3:05 - 3:35 Company 2
-- Break --
3:50 - 4:20 Company 3
4:20 - 4:50 Company 4
4:50 - 5:20 Company 5
5:20 - 5:30 Judges award Best Investment Opportunity
-- Break —

​Second Round Presentations

​Five highly-vetted Consumer/CPG startups that are earlier in stage will each present to draw investors to their tables immediately after the stage portion of the event. Each of the companies will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A with the investor panel.​

​5:45 - 5:51 Company 6
5:52 - 5:58 Company 7
5:59 - 6:05 Company 8
6:06 - 6:12 Company 9
6:13 - 6:19 Company 10
6:20 - 6:30 Closing Remarks

​Afterparty

​Investors and founders can visit together at the companies' demo tables in the Embraer Room, while a light dinner and adult beverages are served.

​Details​

Parking is always free and easy at Venture Mechanics. Please arrive by 1PM. On-stage portion of the event runs from 1:30 to 6:30 PM with breaks. Light dinner and adult beverages will be served at 6:30pm. Guests are welcome to stay until 8:30 to visit with the startup founders at their respective demo tables.​We look forward to seeing you there!​
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The Launchpad Expo series is Venture Mechanics’ signature venture conference, showcasing startups from a range of verticals—AI, ClimateTech, Aerospace/Drone, Consumer/CPG, FinTech, Manufacturing Automation, Health Sciences, DefenseTech, AgTech/FireTech, Web3, PropTech, InsureTech, EdTech, and more.

Each Launchpad Expo features 10 presenting startups selected by sector experts.  Five first-round presenting companies will each receive 22 minutes on stage - 10 minutes to pitch, 8 minutes of judges Q&A, and 4 minutes of audience Q&A.  Another five, second-round of companies will each present a shorter 5-minute pitch with 3 minutes of Q&A. All ten startups also have a demo table where they can entertain investor interest during the extensive afterparty.

Selection Process for Presenting Companies:

• Startups may begin applying two months prior to the event date, with a deadline of 4 weeks prior to the event date.
• Judges with expertise in the sector will select 5 first round and 5 second round presenting companies 2-3 weeks before the event date.
• In the final 2-3 weeks the judges and our staff will work with the presenting companies to perfect their pitches.  

Judges for this event: TBA

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​Event Day Schedule

​1:00 Registration​ and Networking

2:00 Welcome to Venture Mechanics, and introduction of conference chair Aloke Gupta
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​2:15 Keynote Speaker: TBA

‍2:45 First Round Company Presentations
2:50 Company 1
​3:13 Company 2
​3:36 Company 3
​4:00 Break
4:20 Company 4
5:23 Company 5
5:46 Judges deliberation during break; audience crowdvote
​5:55 1st Round Winners announced

‍6:00 2nd Round Company Presentations‍
6:02 Company 1
6:11 Company 2
6:20 Company 3
6:29 Company 4
6:38 Closing remarks and upcoming events
6:45 Investor/founder mixer afterparty. Light dinner served while investors can spend the evening visiting with founders at their demo tables.