Secretary of State Aguilar to award $400,000 investment to winning startup at AngelNV finale on April 29

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (April 13, 2023) - Operated by StartUpNV, a nonprofit incubator and accelerator for Nevada-based startup companies, AngelNV will hold its Shark Tank-style finale on Saturday, April 29 at Las Vegas City Hall. At the event, startups will pitch to secure an investment totaling at least $400,000 which will be awarded by Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar at the conclusion of the event (awards ceremony estimated to begin at 3:30 p.m.).

Small business owners looking to learn more about attracting startup investors are encouraged to attend the Shark Tank-style event that starts at 1 p.m. with cocktails, refreshments, and networking before finalists make their pitches to potential investors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.angelnv.com and attendees can save $20 on their ticket with the promo code: SAVE20.

A $200,000 investment will come from angel investors who have invested at least $5,500 to the AngelNV Conference Fund. That investment will be matched by funds from the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for a grand total of $400,000. Additional investments may also be made to runner-up companies.

Many of the investors have been participating in AngelNV’s 14-week investor bootcamp that teaches angel investing strategies and tactics. During the bootcamp, investors hear pitches and evaluate the companies vying for the investment. Accredited investors can still participate with a $5,500 investment, an amount that is much lower than required for participation in most investment funds. To participate, investors should register online at www.angelnv.com.

The finalists were selected from more than 250 participants in AngelNV’s free entrepreneur bootcamp that educates startup founders on how to raise venture capital. Five of the startup finalists are from Southern Nevada, and one is female owned. The finalists and their service or product offerings are:

Adaract created a lighter weight, variably engaged actuator. Their first application is an increased mobility prosthetic, and their secondary market is heavy equipment.
AI Foundation uses generative AI to create digital avatars that provide new opportunities for innovation within customer service and marketing.
Dayamed developed a system for health systems to ensure compliance with prescription drug regimens.
Illumino created a patented non-toxic glue and curing system for eyelash and hair extensions.
SpaceTogether is making under-utilized spaces (for example: churches and licensed kitchens) a revenue stream through online rentals, like Airbnb does for personally owned homes.
Surgistream created and sells a software application that solves the scheduling of surgeons, operating rooms, support personnel, and devices needed for the surgery.
Vistro provides a collection of menus to serve a variety of customers with one order, one kitchen, and one delivery.

AngelNV is a program of StartUpNV that provides expert mentorship to startups and access to a network of capital partners. Since StartUpNV began operation in 2017, more than $77 million has been raised and invested in 56 companies participating in StartUpNV programs, including AngelNV.

StartUpNV launched AngelNV in 2020 to foster an angel investment network for Nevada-based startups and attract to the state scalable startup businesses and entrepreneurs with big ideas to build a more diversified and resilient economy. Now offering its third course of bootcamps, AngelNV is building a bridge between entrepreneurs and angel investors by educating startups on raising capital and teaching accredited investors how to invest wisely in startups. For more information visit: www.angelnv.com.