Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals adds seed fund to this year’s competition
AUSTIN, TX USA (March 2, 2016) — The incredibly successful hospitality start-up pitch competition, Entrepreneur 20X (E20X), will return for its second year at the world’s largest hospitality technology conference, HITEC. Participants will compete for a $5,000 USD grand prize along with a kiosk in the Entrepreneur 20X pavilion. Leading global hospitality association, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of HITEC, are expecting another explosive year for E2X.
“There was no question as to whether or not Entrepreneur 20X would be back for another year,” explains HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE. “Start-ups are the foundation for some of the greatest technologies this world has ever known and it is our pleasure to assist those start-ups in getting noticed. Further, I am beyond thrilled to introduce the HFTP seed fund which will assist in furthering the innovations of tomorrow.”
Entrepreneur 20X debuted at HITEC 2015 to rave reviews and an overflowing audience. HITEC 2016 attendees will want to be sure to arrive early to witness each competitor’s pitches. HITEC attendees will have the opportunity to watch the start-up pitches in real time alongside potential investors and competition judges on Monday, June 20 from 1-4 p.m. at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
New this year, HFTP has announced the creation of the HFTP seed fund, E20X. Participants in E20X will have an opportunity to be funded by the seed fund and be mentored and incubated by industry experts. "We believe the seed fund will play a significant role in providing entrepreneurs not just funding, but an entire ecosystem to be successful in scaling new ventures,” explains HFTP’s HITEC Advisory Council Vice Chair Prakash Shukla. E20X is now more than just a single day competition, it is investing in the future of the industry and fostering growth and innovation in today’s talent.
Participants will be selected to compete based on several criteria including their status as an “unfunded startup.” To be selected, entrants must submit an application along with a $250 USD fee and demonstrate their product/service as being an innovative, cutting-edge, transformative addition to the hospitality industry. Once selected for the competition, the start-ups will pitch their offerings to a judging panel of industry heavyweights for the grand prize. Top participants from Entrepreneur 20X will also be offered a space in the E20X Pavillion on the HITEC show floor. The pavilion will allow the pitch contestants to come face to face with HITEC attendees in a more intimate setting.
HFTP is currently accepting requests for individuals who would like to be on the E20X judging panel. Please be aware that all applicants will be screened and vetted. To submit your name for consideration, please email Danielle Earp, HFTP Public Relations Manager, at Danielle.Earp@hftp.org.
Applications to participate in E20X will be available in the coming weeks. For the latest information, please check the HITEC website often.
