INNOV8 Acadiana calls for energy innovators to pitch ideas to ‘Angel’ investors

INNOV8 Acadiana, a Community Foundation of Acadiana company and nonprofit helping to build our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, is seeking applicants for this year’s LAGCOE Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge on Oct. 26 at the Cajundome Convention Center.
In partnership with the Acadiana Angels, an area investment group, INNOV8 and LAGCOE will select up to five businesses to pitch in front of accredited angel investors and a live audience. The winning pitch will receive a $5,000 check courtesy of Cox Business, and the Jones Walker Law Firm plus free mentoring, training, and professional services will also be given to pitch participants to help commercialize their ideas.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with LAGCOE and the Acadiana Angels to bring more energy innovation to our region, especially during these challenging times,” said Pete Prados, director of INNOV8. “When times are tough, there is a group we can always rely on to turn things around: our entrepreneurs. This competition will put them in the spotlight to bring unprecedented innovation to our region.”
Applying for the competition is quick and simple. Entrepreneurs can sign up at innov8acadiana.org/energypitch. Their applications will be vetted by the INNOV8 team. All applicants are welcome — from start-ups with an early idea of their product or service to established companies looking to branch out. The newly formed Acadiana Angels investment group is eager to invest in more companies and is part of a larger, state-wide investment team.
“By partnering with LAGCOE for the Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge, we hope to bring the next generation of energy innovations to help our economy, continue our area’s outstanding achievements, and create new jobs for our region,” said Alan Hebert, one of the Acadiana Angels and longtime entrepreneur. “Acadiana is a fantastic place to launch or expand a business and we are here to help.”
All entrepreneurs, energy related and other vertical markets, are invited to apply at the INNOV8 website to pitch to the Acadiana Angels, which meets monthly at Community Foundation’s office. Accredited investors interested in learning more about joining Acadiana Angels are also encouraged to attend a meeting as a guest to see if this type of investing is right for them.
INNOV8 Acadiana, a Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) company, serves Acadiana’s entrepreneurial community by providing resources, connections, entrepreneurial meetups and events, and access to capital for innovative people and companies ready to grow. Visit www.innov8acadiana.org to learn more.