{"id":625092,"date":"2023-04-03T09:49:04","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T14:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.sellorbuyhomefast.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/meet-the-finalists-of-the-tnw-valencia-startup-pitch-battle\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T09:49:04","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T14:49:04","slug":"meet-the-finalists-of-the-tnw-valencia-startup-pitch-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/03\/meet-the-finalists-of-the-tnw-valencia-startup-pitch-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the finalists of the TNW Val\u00e8ncia startup pitch battle"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Some of Europe\u2019s hottest startups arrived at TNW Val\u00e8ncia<\/a> last week to develop ideas, expand\u00a0networks, create new leads, and \u2014 and most importantly of all \u2014 fight<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Not in the physical sense, of course, but in a fiercely-contested TNW Val\u00e8ncia<\/a> pitch battle. After surviving a series\u00a0of fiery knockout clashes, eight of Europe\u2019s most electrifying startups<\/a> were selected for the contest final on Friday.<\/p>\n

Val\u00e8ncia provided the perfect stage for the showdown. The region is Spain\u2019s fastest-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem<\/a>, with the most startups per capita in the country.\u00a0 It was also bathed in glorious sunshine \u2014 but this was no vacation for the contenders. With thousands in attendance, an all-star jury on the front row, and a springboard to success on the line, the stakes were high for all the startups.<\/p>\n

To the victor goes an array of spoils, including a 4 square-meter turnkey booth at TNW Valencia 2024 and two business passes for TNW Conference in Amsterdam<\/a> on June 15-16. But best of all the prizes \u2014 and I say this without a scintilla of bias \u2014 is a full feature on TNW\u2019s wonderful website by our marvellous media team.<\/p>\n

Before we reveal the winner, here are the eight elite finalists who pitched for first place.<\/p>\n

Internxt<\/h2>\n
\"The
Internxt was the first startup to qualify for the final battle. Credit: TNW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many of today\u2019s biggest internet companies\u00a0are essentially data mining companies.\u00a0Google, for instance, generates over 80% of its revenue<\/a> from advertising, which it amasses by leveraging user data for ad targeting.<\/p>\n

Internxt<\/a> has created an alternative model: data storage<\/span> that respects user privacy.<\/p>\n

The Val\u00e8ncia-based startup provides an end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service, which means nobody can see your files. Founded in 2020, the company has positioned itself as a privacy-centric competitor to Google Drive.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe provide an easy way to manage, share, and store user data in a completely private way,\u201d says Joan Mora, head of data and analytics at Internxt.<\/p>\n

Users can get 10GB of free storage. If they need more, premium subscriptions that provide from 20GB to 2TB are available for as little as low as \u20ac0.89 per month.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sophie\u2019s Bionutrients<\/h2>\n
\"Eugene
Eugene Wang founded Sophie\u2019s Bionutrients after his daughter suffered an allergic reaction. Credit: Sophie\u2019s Bionutrients<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sophie\u2019s Bionutrients<\/a> has reimagined protein production. It\u2019s the first company in the world that uses microalgae to develop 100% plant-based and sustainable alternative protein.<\/span><\/p>\n

The microalgae is cultivated inside bio-reactors and harvested within days. This rapid process also minimizes the quantity of energy and water that\u2019s required.<\/p>\n

Both the idea and name for the company came from the daughter of Eugene Wang, the co-founder and CEO of Sophie\u2019s Nutrients.<\/p>\n

\u201cSophie is allergic to shellfish,\u201d says Wang. \u201cThat\u2019s how the whole thing started \u2014 I was looking for a way for people to get nutrition from the ocean without using the animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

The startup began life in Singapore, before moving its headquarters to the alt-protein hotspot \u201cFood Valley\u201d in the Netherlands. Wang now plans to take the product around the world, in a B2B business model that will first target small and medium-sized food manufacturers.<\/p>\n

CAPS<\/h2>\n
\"The
CAPS wants to make urban flights a daily routine. Credit: CAPS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CAPS<\/a> is developing a product that seems futuristic: an urban aircraft for single passengers. Yet the company expects the tech will soon be available to the public.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy strong belief is that you will be experimenting with flights in urban areas within the next 10 years,\u201d says Paul Cass, CEO of CAPS. \u201cFor that to properly be done, it has to be quiet, safe, and affordable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The startup\u2019s founders<\/a>\u00a0got the idea after growing sick of their long commute to college. In a garage, they began to assemble a more convenient alternative: a flying car.<\/p>\n

Their concept\u00a0evolved into a driverless aircraft for single-passenger\u00a0trips in urban areas. Both small and entirely-electric, the vehicle is built for a quiet flight with optimum security. In case of technical trouble or emergencies, a professional driver in the company\u2019s operating centre can remotely control the aircraft.<\/span><\/p>\n

CAPS\u00a0 is confident that the design offers the safety, affordability, and practicality needed for mass adoption. With the world\u2019s electric air taxi network scheduled to launch in 2024<\/a>, the vision could be closer to reality than it first appears.<\/p>\n

Wenalyze<\/h2>\n
\"The
The Wenalyze team is led by CEO Carlos Albo (second from right)<\/span>. Credit: Wenalyze<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wenalyze<\/a> is on a mission to protect SMEs, which represent 99% of all businesses in the EU<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In tricky economic times, these companies face mounting challenges. Insurers can provide a safety net, but bad information is reducing the security. According to Wenalyze, insurance companies have 47% of their data wrong, leading to underinsurance and premium leakage.<\/p>\n

The Spanish startup wants to reduce the risks. The company uses open data analytics to correct, update, and enrich SME information. As a result, insurers, banks, and financial institutions can offer their clients the right coverage.<\/p>\n

To access the enhanced insights, users only need to enter the name and address of the SME. Wenalyze\u2019s system will then analyse open data sources and deliver real-time results.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy protecting SMEs, we protect our economy,\u201d says Carlos Albo, CEO and co-founder of Wenalyze.<\/p>\n

Therminer<\/h2>\n
\"Therminer
Therminer has an unusual recycling plan. Credit: Therminer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Amid a global energy crisis, the vast electricity consumption of data centres has become a pressing concern. But even greater harm<\/span>\u00a0to our climate comes from heating, which comprises half of the world\u2019s total energy consumption.<\/a> That\u2019s roughly the same imapct as electricity and transportation combined<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Therminer<\/a> has created a system that addresses both concerns: a cooling solution for servers that reduces their energy consumption and recycles the wasted heat to warm buildings.<\/p>\n

According to Gonzalo Garc\u00eda, CEO and co-founder of Therminer, the system cuts 95% of the energy consumed to cool servers \u2014 and recycles 90% of the heat they release. \u201cOur competitive advantage from the data centre perspective is that we can reduce operational costs and our data centres are more sustainable,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

From its base in Val\u00e8ncia, Therminer produce the hardware, installs it in homes, and manages the data centre services. The initial target for the system is single-family homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can use our waste heat and we can create a decentralised network of data centres and then sell hosting power,\u201d says Garc\u00eda.<\/p>\n

Chaise Longue<\/h2>\n
\"Chaise
Affordable comfort is an elusive pleasure on flights. Credit: Chaise Longue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flying economy is rarely a pleasurable experience, but\u00a0Chaise Longue<\/a> believes comfort doesn\u2019t have to cost a fortune \u2014 and has the chair to prove it.<\/p>\n

The Madrid-based startup has created a double-decker airplane seat configuration. The design increases comfort, reduces cabin weight, and provides at least the same passenger capacity. Best of all, it\u2019s made for economy class.<\/p>\n

The extra space comes from maximising the cabin\u2019s verticle volume. Overhead luggage compartments are removed, with bags instead stored in bays under seats. The result is bigger recline angles, extended leg room, and more overall space.<\/p>\n

The modular structure is designed for swift integration into existing aircraft. According to Alejandro N\u00fa\u00f1ez, Chaise Longue\u2019s founder, CEO, and designer, most leading airlines are interested in the system \u2014 and planes are just the start.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are also moving into other industries such as trains, buses, and ferries \u2014 for the lowest class and for the cheapest tickets,\u201d says N\u00fa\u00f1ez. \u201cWe are trying to improve that experience for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nightstream<\/h2>\n
\"Nightstream\"
Nightstream has spotted a big gap in Twitch\u2019s business model. Credit: Nightstream<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Twitch enjoyed explosive growth during the pandemic, and still consistently doubles<\/a> its pre-COVID audience numbers. Many advertisers, however, remain wary of entering the market, which can appear too large and complicated. Nightstream<\/a> wants to help these brands to grow alongside smaller streamers.<\/p>\n

The startup found that brands currently use just 250 streamers to advertise. That means that oer 1.5 million daily viewers \u2014 and 95% of streamers \u2014 are being overlooked. Nightstream\u2019s software is designed to capitalise on these opportunities.<\/p>\n

The company\u2019s tools and services allow brands to connect with streamers that will reach their target audience. Streamers, meanwhile, get the chance to build their audiences, earn money, and win prizes.<\/p>\n

Brands are given data dashboards and analytic tools to analyse the performance of each player in the ecosystems. Nighstream also picks moderators for each streamer and brand, which further strengthens the partnership. To increase the streamers\u2019 audiences, the startup rewards viewers as they become part of the communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith our API and software, they can develop and connect directly with brands that don\u2019t have enough money to connect with the biggest streamers,\u201d says Luis Ruiz Climent, co-founder of Nightwatch.<\/p>\n

Crowmie<\/h2>\n
\"Crowmie\"
Crowmie uses blockchain to decentralise energy investment. Credit: Crowmie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crowmie<\/a> has invented a unique approach to sustainability: the first investment platform in tokenised renewable energy projects.<\/p>\n

The concept aims to turbocharge the adoption of renewable energy, while democratising investment in the sector. At present, the vast majority of the market is controlled by large energy generators, which are financed by the traditional banking system. Crowmie allows the public to make their own contributions \u2014 and get returns.<\/p>\n

After registering, the user can invest a minimum of just \u20ac100 in any asset on the platform. The user receives tokens in return. These entitle them to monthly rents for the electricity generated and sold by the energy project. Users can also sell the tokens to another investor at any time.<\/p>\n

The investment is used to build facilities that produce electricity. Once built, the projects generate renewable electricity that\u2019s sold to the grid. Profits from this sale are distributed among investors according to the number of tokens they hold.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have completely changed the way of investing in traditional assets, accelerating the energy transition, supporting the business fabric, and allowing anyone in the world to invest from just 100 euros,\u201d says Fernando D\u00e1vila, CEO and co-founder of Crowmie.<\/p>\n

\"The
The future of tech was on display throughout TNW Val\u00e8ncia. Credit: TNW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The winning pitch<\/h2>\n

All eight finalists would make worthy champions, but there can only be one winner of the pitch battle. To find who our all-star jury chose for the grand prize, follow our coverage of TNW Val\u00e8ncia next week.<\/p>\n

For those of you who couldn\u2019t attend the event in-person, we hope to see you next year, for more pitches, talks, learning, networking, and festival vibe in beautiful Val\u00e8ncia.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Read More<\/a>
\n Thomas Macaulay<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Some of Europe\u2019s hottest startups arrived at TNW Val\u00e8ncia last week to develop ideas, expand\u00a0networks, create new leads, and \u2014 and most importantly of all \u2014 fight. Not in the physical sense, of course, but in a fiercely-contested TNW Val\u00e8ncia pitch battle. After surviving a series\u00a0of fiery knockout clashes, eight of Europe\u2019s most electrifying startups<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":625093,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33925,46,33273],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-625092","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-finalists","8":"category-technology","9":"category-valencia"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=625092"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/625092\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/625093"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=625092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=625092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=625092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}