PITCH TO A RIVER OF INVESTORS, SHARK INCLUDED

IF you think you have what it takes to wow investors, and have the guts to face a Shark, nominations are now open for Queensland's most high profile investment event, RiverPitch.  

Applications are open until June 3 for startups nationwide to compete for a place in the June 19 line-up at Brisbane's New Farm Cinemas.

Seven startups will be given a spot to pitch to prominent early stage investors including Ezidebit founder Michael Dempsey and RiverPitch founder Steve Baxter (pictured right), who has experience in building multiple tech companies and is currently a judge on Shark Tank Australia.

The event is pre-screened by River City Labs experts, Baxter's Brisbane co-working community, before an audience on two earlier dates.

Baxter says part of the charm of RiverPitch is that it's different to other Angel meetups.

"RiverPitch is different to Angel group setups as it is solely focused on bringing together investors and startups, without dictating how a single investment gets done," says Baxter.

"Following the event, meet-ups between both parties are organised bilaterally, attesting to RiverPitch's flexible and yet proven approach to investment."

Peta Ellis, general manager of River City Labs, says RiverPitch has been noticeably changing the local business landscape since it began in 2012.

Alumni from previous RiverPitch events include edu-tech startup, Cohort Pay, payroll operations startup, Tanda, and customised project planning startup, Grapple.

"If you are a mobile or internet focused startup and you want to take your business to the next level, you need to apply now to be part of RiverPitch," says Ellis.

"RiverPitch is truly changing how investing is being done in Brisbane, its unique format offers a different approach to capital funding, bringing together investors and startups in an informal, social setting."

Investors who are looking to invest in tech startups are encouraged to visit http://riverpitch.com and click on 'investor'.

Entrepreneurs operating in this space and looking for funding of between $50,000 and $500,000 can apply to pitch a 90-second idea submission to http://riverpitch.com and click on 'startup' (pitching entrepreneurs will receive two complimentary tickets to RiverPitch).

Pictured above left: A selection of 2014 RiverPitch startups