Astraeus Ocean Systems, a startup focused on ocean data collection using autonomous boats, won first place at the Bellingham Angel Investors’ Startup Pitch Competition.
This contest, awarding $10,000 in prize money, is anticipated to become an annual event, aiming to promote visibility and growth for startups in Northwest Washington state, strategically positioned between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
On Nov. 2, twelve entrepreneurs presented their business concepts to a panel of judges and an audience of about 50 people at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham. The finalists, all hailing from Whatcom or Skagit counties, were selected from nearly 50 applicants.
“The support and enthusiasm have exceeded our expectations,” mentioned Gene Kishinevsky, a BAI board member and judge.
An Uber for ocean data
Bellingham-based Astraeus, a startup founded in 2022, not only clinched first place but also tied for the “audience favorite” award.
CEO Alex Parker highlighted the deficiency in current ocean observation systems and proposed a fleet of solar-powered autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). These vessels, he envisioned, would be cost-effective and available round-the-clock for data collection and dissemination, akin to an “Uber for ocean intelligence.”
Astraeus has developed three ASVs in-house and plans trials in Puget Sound this year, aiming for paid pilots by early 2025. The prize money, Parker noted, would help equip a vessel with a $7,000 instrument necessary for locating derelict fishing gear in Puget Sound.
From mental health to poker table tech
Similar to Astraeus, the other 11 finalists were mostly based in Bellingham, with 10 of the 12 being tech-focused startups. The pitches often incorporated AI elements, leading to more winners as follows:
- Tiny Steps, Big Leaps proposed a child care and learning center with a focus on children from birth to age 3, winning the $3,000 second prize.
- Geo Garden Club introduced an app for guiding serious gardeners on optimal planting times using a crowdsourced local database and shared the Audience Favorite prize with Astraeus.
The other finalists included:
- Synapse Software showcased its no-code platform, Slingshot, designed for business process automation.
- CalmVista outlined an app offering calming VR environments for anxiety relief.
- BiddyBot described its AI-powered platform for connecting home improvement contractors with clients, planned for a 2025 launch.
- A-Team ABA discussed mental health services focusing on autism and developmental disabilities.
- SelfReflect demonstrated its pre-launch motion tracking app for VTubers.
- Catch-Me introduced a mental health app for youth, designed to complement treatment.
- Automated Poker Tables showcased its advanced poker tables intended to boost casino efficiency and profitability.
- Build Unclouded presented project management tools for commercial building owners to enhance workflow with contractors.
- PIOs Fire and Life Safety Education briefed their communication services for tribal and volunteer fire departments, aiming to enhance digital outreach and wildfire protection.
Raising area activity and awareness
Founded in 2005, Bellingham Angel Investors typically invests $2 to $5 million in active years, accepting pitch applications monthly, both locally and nationally. The competition marks a new initiative to stimulate local entrepreneurial engagement.
“This is the first step in invigorating the local startup ecosystem,” said BAI’s Kishinevsky. Finalists benefitted from coaching and workshops in preparation for the event.
The competition also facilitated networking among entrepreneurs, an objective of BAI’s efforts to engage at earlier stages with startups.
“Our goal is to better engage with early-stage startups,” noted Jim Thompson, a BAI leader. This first competition aims to support this engagement.
Northwest Washington’s startup ecosystem features enterprise software and consumer apps along with companies focused on agriculture, maritime, and sustainable tech, reflecting regional resources.
Rhys Faler, a judge and advocate for Innovate Bellingham, has been actively promoting networking opportunities and is organizing a Bellingham Startup Weekend in January. He notes the diversity of entrepreneurs made judging challenging, focusing solely on the viability of business ideas.
“We evaluated the finalists on the strength of their business ideas,” said Faler, adding that the winners demonstrated both scalable potential and community-relevant concepts.
Ultimately, Thompson hopes some startups will secure further investments. “We aim to identify companies worth angel investments and hope for success for all participants,” he said, expressing the collective wish for entrepreneurial prosperity.
