The sharks were out on March 26, but they weren\u2019t biting, they were listening.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u200bTech Fort Worth, the region\u2019s technology and innovation hub hosted a Tech Together event featuring Shark Tank-style pitches from four local startups. The event, the first of a quarterly series, took place at Red Sanders\u2019 Backlot Studios and Workspace at Red Productions location at 329 S. Main St. Sanders is a graduate of Tech Fort Worth\u2019s first programs more than 25 years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The four companies pitching at the inaugural event were three medical-related startups and one focused on aviation:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bectas Therapeutics<\/a>, a Houston-based company focused on precision immune therapies for the treatment of cancer, and autoimmune and metabolic disease.\u00a0 The event is a way for the nonprofit to expose some of the companies it works with to potential investors and the wider community, said Elyse Dickerson, CEO and co-founder of Eocera<\/a>, also a graduate of Tech Fort Worth\u2019s programs. Eocera is a biotech firm providing innovative ear care products.<\/p>\n Dickerson credits seed money from a pitch competition she won for helping get the company off the ground. Eocera now sells ear drops and sprays in more than 28,000 stores, including nationwide chains CVS and Walgreens.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a game-changer,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Tech Fort Worth event did not involve any funding, but was a way for company founders to hone their pitches for when they do have the opportunity to seek funding, Dickerson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the moment comes where you have an opportunity to pitch your business, you need to be ready,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dickerson is also supportive of the program because she believes Fort Worth needs to nurture these local businesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFort Worth needs to be creating businesses,\u201d she said. \u201cIt drives our economic growth. It creates jobs, creates tax dollars and it highlights the creativity of this city.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Bob Francis is business editor at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nTremedics Medical Devices<\/a>, a North Richland Hills-based company that has developed a stent for congenital heart disease intended for infants to children up to 14 years. The product has received breakthrough device designation from the Food and Drug Administration.\u00a0
\nNspire Medical Technologies<\/a>, an Athens, Texas-based company that uses advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety and patient experience in drug delivery.\u00a0
\nPortal Aircraft<\/a>, a Mansfield-based company that designs and manufactures manned and unmanned long-range vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.\u00a0<\/p>\n