Startup Tucson
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Southern Arizona's leading entrepreneurial event for over 25 years
a part of
since 2015
Introducing IdeaFunding
IdeaFunding is one of Arizona's largest entrepreneurial conferences and pitch competitions and the longest continually running startup event in all of Arizona. Every year hundreds of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and business leaders come together to connect with each other, learn and be inspired by the best new ideas Arizona has to offer. The event provides entrepreneurs in southern Arizona with the opportunity to learn about the latest and greatest best practices in today’s startup environment, and to present their own business ideas to experienced startup investors.
Save the Date: November 9, 2023
IdeaFunding and TENWEST are presented by:
25 Years of History
For over 25 years IdeaFunding has brought together the Tucson entrepreneurial community -- including startup founders, managers, mentors, advisors and investors -- to promote the growth of innovative companies, and the skilled jobs and economic development these companies bring to our city, state and region. Founded by Larry Hecker and Sherry Hoskinson, the event was originally presented in community partnership by members of the region’s business and academic communities and has been housed within a number of Southern Arizona's organizations during it's longstanding history including the University of Arizona McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship and University of Arizona Center for Innovation. Committee members have included members of the business and startup communities at large as well as representatives from Desert Angels, Tech Launch Arizona and many others. IdeaFunding has been a part of TENWEST Impact Festival under the leadership of Startup Tucson since 2015 and still uses a community impact model in it's annual organization.
Education
One of the core components of IdeaFunding is the educational sessions for entrepreneurs and investors during the TENWEST Conference. Each year, these sessions include tactical and inspirational workshops, sessions and panels with experts from throughout our region. National keynote speakers also help make the event THE go to place to learn how to take your business to the next level every November. IdeaFunding’s education sessions are designed for companies at different growth stages, from early startups to mature companies looking for successful exits. The Capital Summit portion of the conference all focuses on funding sources, both traditional and non-traditional.
Past Keynotes & Signature Events have included:
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2022: "Founders & Funders: Alternative Finance" featuring Common Future, Community Credit Lab, TMV and more
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2022: "Seeking Finance in Southern Arizona" featuring UAVC, Desert Angels, CIC and AVC
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2019: Tech Launch Arizona Bridge Builders Innovation Ecosystem UnConference
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2019: Ideas to Doors Venture Lab
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2019: "Investment Deserts" - Allie Burns, CEO at Village Capital
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2019: "Building a Startup Ecosystem" - Chris Heivly, VP of Innovation at TechStars
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2019: VC's Unplugged luncheon with Rocky Mountain Venture Capital
Pitch Competition
IdeaFunding's annual pitch competition provides an opportunity for Arizona companies to share their stories with our community for a chance to win over $70,000 in cash and prizes. New company founders are invited to deliver pitches to a panel of judges, seasoned, qualified investors for cash prizes and valuable feedback on what they can do to improve their chances for investment and startup success. For active investors, IdeaFunding is a chance to listen to the pitches of select entrepreneurs, identify new, creative startup ideas, and pinpoint future investment opportunities.
IdeaFunding Pitch Competition is hosted in partnership between:
PRIOR IDEAFUNDING WINNERS INCLUDE:
Past Winners Include:
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2022: Divine Hair Goods ($25,000)
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2021: Micro Safari ($10,000)
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2019: Bralessly Clothing Company and GenetiRate ($12,500 each)
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2018: NanoCheQ ($25,000)
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2016: Avery Therapeutics ($25,000)
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2015: Drone Control
and many more....