The Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) announced Monday that CodeBeetle, a Frisco-based technology company focused on enhancing computer science education for K-12 students, has been selected as the winner of its inaugural Summit Founder Collaborative Competition.
Designed to promote local entrepreneurship and innovation, the collaborative competition saw 10 Summit County businesses compete for a $5,000 business grant with a 90-second presentation.
“The Summit Founders Co-op provided an important platform for entrepreneurs to refine their pitches and compete for funding – similar to Summit County’s own version of ‘Shark Tank,'” said Thayer Hirsch, executive director of SEP and winner of the 2023 statewide Founders Co-op. “It highlights our vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and fosters valuable local connections.”
CodeBeetle CEO and co-founder Aaron Landau impressed judges with his innovative approach and his company’s growth potential, winning a $5,000 grant to support CodeBeetle’s next phase of development. CodeBeetle is an engaging, career-focused technology program for K-12 students that addresses gaps in computer science education in public schools. CodeBeetle co-founders Landau and Peder Hansen plan to use the grant to develop new programs and enhance their existing platform to benefit local and state school systems.
“The Summit Founders Co-op was a great opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors and investors,” said Landau, who also owns EVO3 Workspace in Frisco. “I’m honored to have been selected from among so many talented people.”
Local companies Wildstack, Magic Marketing, SkyGOAT, TreadShare, Buttnski, Llama Corporation, Folcland, Stay Loci, CodeBeetle and SeaRex Solutions participated in the 2024 Summit Founders Coopetition, which kicked off on May 29. Participants’ 90-second video presentations were evaluated by a panel of local, state and community leaders.
“The level of innovation and creativity I saw was incredible,” said Nina Waters, Summit County Commissioner and SEP board member. “This initiative is more than just a competition; it’s a catalyst for economic growth and diversification in Summit County.”
SEP worked with StartupColorado to cover all costs for participants with grant funding from DOLA, Summit County, and donations from sponsors including CHFA, Xcel Energy, Energize Colorado and Freeport McMoRan.
Summit Economic Partnership (SEP) is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Diversifying the economy, developing the workforce and expanding entrepreneurship in Summit County;
SEP’s upcoming programs include the 2024 Summit Ideas Factory, a free four-week program for early-stage companies, and the six-week Summit Accelerator for mid- to late-stage companies. For more information, visit www.summitpartnership.org.
Upcoming SEP Programs and Community Events
● SEP Fireside Chat, July 18, 5:30-7:30pm, EVO3 Workspace, Frisco.
Founders of Angry James Brewing and Peak Oxygen share business challenges.
During engaging fireside chats, they talk about accomplishments and lessons learned.
• Network in Nature Hike, July 23, 5:15-6:45 p.m., B&B Mine Trailhead, Breckenridge.
Refresh and network with fellow entrepreneurs and business professionals
A 3-mile hike at the B&B Mine Trailhead in Breckenridge. Register online.
● 2024 Summit Idea Factory, October 2nd (4 weeks), applications opening soon
In partnership with StartupColorado, this free, four-week program helps early-stage companies.
Turn your business ideas into viable reality.
● Summit Accelerator, September 25th (6 weeks), applications open soon
Summit County’s first mandatory legal for mid- to late-stage businesses;
Financial and strategic knowledge to scale beyond Summit County.
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