Seattle's first-ever venture conference devoted to Consumer and CPG

This 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 year, 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 has come into its own.

The event will kick off with a keynote address by Bob Wallach, Alliance of Angels board member and head of the CPG selection committee.

Greta Remington, a veteran of the consumer industry with over 30 years of innovation experience, is the conference chair and will moderate the panel on Strategies for Investing in Innovative Consumer Sector Startups. Panelists include industry veteran and investor Gary Laney (Boise) and Sunitra Shastri (Seattle).

After the panel, the five top-ranking startups will have the opportunity to present on-stage for 28 minutes. Their 12 minute pitches will be followed by 8 minutes of Q&A with the industry expert panel, and 8 minutes of Q&A with the LPs in the audience. 

The next five top-ranking startups will have the opportunity to pitch for three minutes, and invite investors to come learn more about their companies at their demo tables during the afterparty.

The event is followed up with a networking mixer at which dinner and beverages will be served, and investors can mingle with each other and visit with the ten demonstrating companies at their tables. Note that the afterparty often lasts several hours.

Co-chairs:

Greta Remington, 30-year industry veteran

Ron Wiener, CEO at Venture Mechanics

Panelists:

Bob Wallach (Keynote Speaker), Board Member and head of CPG Selection Committee of the Alliance of Angels

Gary Laney, CPG industry veteran and investor

Sunita Shastri, CPG industry veteran, CPG startup founder and CPG mentor to startups

Others TBA

Presenting Companies:

TBA

The sequence for a Launchpad Expo event is as follows:

• Startups may begin applying two months prior to the event date, with a deadline of 4 weeks prior to the event date
• The panelists and other assigned judges with expertise in the vertical sector will select the finalists two to three weeks before the event date
• In the final 2-3 weeks the panelists and our staff will work with the five top-ranked startups to go through final due diligence and perfect their pitches
• Up to five semi-finalists will be given the opportunity to have a demo table at the event, without an on-stage presentation

On event day, the format is as follows:

• Doors open at 1:30pm for check-in. Live attendance capped at 100 people. Audience comprised primarily of accredited investors. Livestreaming option may be available for specific events.
• The official program begins at 2:15pm with the conference chair introducing the panelists
• Starting at 2:30 pm, each of the five companies will have a total of a half-hour on stage: a 12-minute pitch followed by an 8-minute Q&A with the panelists and an 8-minute Q&A with the audience
• At the end of the presentations there will be a digital crowdvote for best presentation, and sponsored prizes will be awarded
• Networking reception will begin at 5:15pm. Light dinner and beverages (incl. beer and wine) will be provided. Attendees are welcome to stay for the afterparty, which usually lasts several hours.