30 startups competing this week for a top prize of $25,000 at the HR Tech Conference in Las Vegas
The second annual Pitchfest competition got off to a rousing start as keynoter and Shark Tank judge Barbara Corcoran welcomed the standing room only crowd at the close of the first day of the 2019 HR Tech Conference in Las Vegas.
Corcoran advised the judges to vote for entrepreneurs who are “high energy,” which she calls “a tell-tale sign of success.”
WATCH: Barbara Corcoran’s HRE interview at HR Tech
“You also need to have someone who can take a hit and keep ticking,” she said. “They’re perfect for building a business.”
Pitchfest judges Ilonka Jankovich, Paul Jacquin and George Laroque then presided over an opening round featuring a number of startups from around the world, including Turkey-based wellness app Wellbees, AI interviewer Curious Thing from Australia and Singapore-based Gpayroll.
Three sets of 10 pitchers will battle for spots in the final round of 30 and a chance at a $25,000 first place prize, as well as a $5,000 Gig Economy second place prize. Each round includes audience voting (30 percent of total).
Here’s a look back at last year’s winner: Blendoor.
The next round of pitches begins at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Pitchfest Theater in the Expo hall.