TCVN Announces Survivor 7 Competition's $25K Cash Investment Winner

ORANGE, CA--(Marketwire - Dec 10, 2012) - The Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN), one of Southern California's premier technology business networks dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, held Survivor 7, its seventh annual fast-pitch competition, at Chapman University on Nov. 15, 2012. The largest entrepreneurial investment and prize competition in Orange County attracted 150 attendees from across the Southland and awarded early-stage startups with significant prizes and honors, including a $25,000 cash investment. The big cash prize went to Hive Lighting, an energy-efficient, high-output production light company for the film, TV and digital industries and a standout among a year of impressive entries. Hive Lighting was a wild-card entry whose pitch captured the judges' attention and nabbed the grand prize.

"TCVN's Survivor 7 made an impact for the Southern California entrepreneurial ecosystem. It was inspiring to see local leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs come together to help fund the next big idea," said Ash Kumra, chairman of TCVN, co-founder of DreamItAlive.com and a public speaker. "Grand prize winner Hive Lighting's sound business strategy was impressive, and they demonstrated technological proficiency and a strong clientele."

Survivor 7 offered hard-working business startups the opportunity to compete for funding and prizes, gain visibility and network with other entrepreneurs. Online voters selected Survivor's 30 quarterfinalists, who then squared off on stage in a 30-second pitch competition to earn 10 semifinalist spots judged by a prestigious panel of startup experts, investors and serial entrepreneurs. Five Survivor finalists representing a wide variety of industries including marketing, mobile technology and apparel were eventually narrowed down to compete in a Q&A lightning round with the judges. 

"Survivor 7 didn't just inspire; I believe it also empowered and impacted entrepreneurs," said Kumra. "Startups are driving our economy and changing the face of small business. Together, we're making an impact on the small-business climate in Southern California."  

ABOUT TCVN: Founded in 1984, the non-profit Tech Coast Venture Network (TVCN) is one of Southern California's premier technology business networks. Through a wide variety of forums, pitch sessions, workshops and networking events, TCVN brings together entrepreneurs and resources from every facet of the technology and startup landscape. It's a trusted resource for startup and emerging entrepreneurs seeking connections to capital, peers and mentors to drive growth. TCVN educates and assists entrepreneurs, connecting them with the resources to help grow their businesses. For more information, visit www.tcvn.org.