Excelerate Labs Demo Day

Yesterday I had the absolute privilege to attend
the Excelerate Labs Demo Day at the House of Blues.
   
I just wish I could put into words how inspiring it was
to listen to the INCREDIBLE pitches of the
10 selected Excelerate start-ups for 2011.
    

Sandbox works hand-in-hand with this phenomenal brainchild so we got to sit alongside 300+ investors, 
Chicago community leaders, mentors, family & friends
to support their awesomeness in all it's glory :)
        
Even the Mayor (Rahm Emanuel) was there to celebrate!

I couldn't contain my laughter when opened up with, 

"So you think you all have 'funding' problems, eh?" 
Hahahahaha
LOVE
   

If/when you have the time, 

be sure to check out these rising stars:

Cookitfor.us: The FTD of Food. Cookitforus.com will make, and deliver, your favorite recipe. Hungry? Crave your favorite recipe today.

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Goshi: Re-inventing the window shopping experience. An app which allows you to experience the store front shopping experience in a virtual, and social, marketplace.  

Shortlist (formerly A Space Apart): The best solution for attendees, exhibitors and conference planners to gain the most value from each conference. Now, all the vendors who pay $$$$ for booths can derive serious value from their investment. 

FoodGenius: Yelp, look out.  FoodGenius is driving individuals to their favorite restaurant based on the dish they wish to consume, not the restaurant.  Common sense, right?

BabbaCo: Announced the launch of the first "Babba Box" for parents, nannies and grandparents to provide creative, stimulating and age-appropriate activities to children on a monthly basis.  Sign up today for a monthly subscription.  Working parents, the perfect solution for spending quality time with your kids after a long day.

Joystickers: Joystickers' accessories will soon be sold at Target, BestBuy, Walmart and other stores. The next time you jump rope, skateboard or play baseball you may be purchasing a Joysticker infused model which is linked to an app allowing you to count jumps, measure the speed of your pitch, compete w/friends, exercise to your favorite tunes, etc.

Exchangery: A unique approach to starting a commodities exchange.  What's next? Organic corn exchange?

Introfly: Helping passionate individuals find their passion in life. Stuck in a corporate job with a hidden passion? Not sure how/where to pursue the right contacts? Introfly to the rescue.

BuzzReferrals: Can help you turn "ordinary customers into extraordinary promoters". Identify, engage and reward your best customers. Your value will only increase with buzzzzz...contact them today.