RISE OF THE REST® Pitch Competition Winner is a Ben Franklin Portfolio Company - Device Events!

Nine of the most innovative startup companies in Central Pennsylvania, including five members of Ben Franklin’s portfolio, had the opportunity to showcase their company’s technology during Revolution Venture’s RISE OF THE REST® Pitch Competition with AOL founder Steve Case and a panel of all-star judges.

Revolution’s RISE OF THE REST® competition is a nationwide effort that highlights entrepreneurs in emerging startup ecosystems. Revolution recognizes that high-growth potential companies that are attractive to venture capitalists can be found outside of traditional coastal cities. This stop on their tour targeted the Central Pennsylvania cities of Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York with the pitch event held at the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center.

“Congratulations to Madris Tomes, Founder and CEO of Device Events - a Ben Franklin portfolio company since July of this year that received a personal investment from Mr. Case for $100,000! The company offers a web-based software platform that presents publicly available FDA data on medical device performance in a user-friendly tool.” – Richard Heddleson, Portfolio Manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Several Ben Franklin portfolio companies located in Central PA were invited to compete as well: BeneFix, a Lancaster-based firm that provides a one-stop-shop platform for streamlining the quoting process for brokers in the health insurance industry; CRIMEWATCH Technologies of Carlisle that developed a technology for rapidly distributing information in to targeted communities using a connected network of websites, social media outlets, mobile apps, and TV kiosks; Schedule Engine from Lancaster that developed an app that allows building contractors automatic access to their customers for scheduling and feedback; and TEAMology of State College that provides an education-based technology supporting anti-bullying efforts.

“We’re proud of all the companies in our portfolio, but also very excited for those that had the opportunity to be involved in this high-profile pitch competition. Obviously, the investment from Steve Case is sensational, and I’m sure is much appreciated by the founder and her company, Device Events. But, the exposure, recognition and contacts that all the contestants have received from the Rise of the Rest experience is just as valuable. We definitely agree with Mr. Case that there are many worthy venture capital investment opportunities outside of Silicon Valley, and we appreciate all he has done to showcase that here in Central PA. Congratulations to Madris Tomes and Device Events!” – Stephen Brawley, President/CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP

About Steve Case:

Steve Case is Chairman and CEO of Revolution LLC, one of America’s best-known and most accomplished entrepreneurs, and a pioneer in making the Internet part of everyday life. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Third Wave: An Entrepreneur’s Vision of the Future.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners:

The largest early-stage seed investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, (an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) provides funding, operational assistance, and business support services to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania. Visit Ben Franklin’s website at www.cnp.benfranklin.org.

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