Nix, the creators of high-tech sensors, capable of measuring hydration status via sweat to optimize safety and physical and cognitive performance, ended up taking home the grand prize at SFIA’s 2018 Start-Up Challenge.
The event was held on Wednesday on the first day of SFIA’s 2018 Industry Leaders Summit being held in Denver.
Six entrepreneurs took the stage to present their young companies in front of a distinguished panel of judges, comprised of CEOs and industry-leading investors. Nix won a $15,000 check (provided by Black Lab Sports) and an all-expense-paid trip to spend the day with the Under Armour Innovation Team.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by SFIA as part of the Start-Up Challenge,” said Meridith Unger, founder and CEO of Nix. “We are fortunate that we have a story that resonates with athletes across all segments of sports and fitness and grateful that SFIA is an organization that appreciates the contributions of early-stage companies aiming to improve sports, health, safety and the industry as a whole.”
Despite the challenge recognizing just one winner, all participants were provided ample opportunities to benefit and advance their businesses throughout the event. In addition to the judges, the contestants pitched their companies and products in front of the entire summit audience, which featured over 200 C-Level executives from companies such as Adidas, Amazon, Nike, Under Armour, Wilson Sporting Goods, Walmart and many more. This presentation format allowed the entrepreneurs to grow their brand awareness among the right audience, filled with potential new partners, mentors and customers.
“The range of products and technologies were impressive today,” said Start-Up Challenge Judge Dan Sheridan (executive vice president, Brooks Running). “I think it just shows the innovation happening in the industry, and what a great forum to present. I found the technology side to be the most unique; There’s definitely some disruptors in there.”
“The Start-Up Challenge franchise is thriving, and we are so proud of what it has become. The entrepreneurs who presented today are undoubtedly driving the sports and fitness industries forward,” said John Peters, vice president of business development at SFIA. “The demand for this contest is highly attributed to the people in the room–with industry-leading investors looking to deploy capital, retailers looking for new products, distributors looking for new partners and the real-time feedback from CEOs who are running some of the biggest brands in the world.”
