Startup Spotlight: Overplay, VenHub, Xtrades, AJNA BioSciences Compete To Prove They're The Next Big Thing

On Aug. 15, a group of ambitious entrepreneurs will participate in Benzinga’s Startup Spotlight: The Next Big Thing virtual event.

This competition offers a rare opportunity for founders to pitch their innovative ideas to seasoned investors, aiming to secure critical funding and recognition. With $2,500 up for grabs, the stakes are high, and the competition promises to be intense.

Judging the Future of Startups

Nik Hulewsky and Chris Koerner, partners at Cofounders.com, will judge the event. Both are accomplished entrepreneurs with extensive experience in industries such as healthcare, e-commerce, and cryptocurrency. Their insights will be invaluable in determining which startup has the potential to disrupt markets and drive future success.

Hulewsky has a track record of building and exiting multiple seven-figure businesses, while Koerner’s portfolio includes ventures in everything from crypto mining to AI-powered healthcare solutions. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for identifying promising startups.

The Startups Competing for Investment

Among the contestants is Caroline Strzalka, the co-founder & COO of Overplay. This platform allows users to transform their videos into interactive games without needing any coding skills. Overplay has already garnered attention, including an investment from Mark Cuban after its appearance on Shark Tank. Strzalka will be looking to build on this momentum in the competition.

Jacob Akopian, representing VenHub, will present his vision for the future of retail. VenHub's AI-powered stores are designed to automate the shopping experience, offering a solution to common challenges like high operational costs and labor shortages. With over $200 million in pre-orders, VenHub is poised to impact the retail industry significantly.

Kevin Wan, the founder and CEO of Xtrades, will showcase his platform, which delivers actionable market insights. Xtrades creates a transparent and engaging environment for traders and investors, leveraging real-time data and user-generated content to enhance the trading experience.

Joel Stanley, CEO of AJNA BioSciences, rounds out the group of contestants. His company is focused on developing FDA-approved botanical pharmaceuticals, aiming to revolutionize healthcare by harnessing the therapeutic power of plants and fungi. AJNA BioSciences represents the cutting edge of medicine, with a strategy that could lead to groundbreaking treatments.

What's at Stake

Each startup will have a limited time to pitch their ideas, and the judges will award a $1,250 investment to the most compelling presentation. However, the audience also has a say—viewers can participate in a live chat poll, and the startup that wins the popular vote will receive an additional $1,250. This dual investment opportunity raises the stakes and adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition.

Want To Tune In?

This event is more than just a pitch competition; it reflects the current trends and innovations driving the startup ecosystem. From automation in retail to advancements in digital content creation and pharmaceutical development, the startups featured in this event are at the forefront of their respective industries.

The insights and ideas presented at the “Startup Spotlight: The Next Big Thing” will likely resonate with investors and industry leaders who are eager to stay ahead of the curve. The event provides a platform for discussing the future of various sectors, aligning with the broader themes of innovation and disruption that are central to today's business environment. Click here to sign up.