Judge Info

Finalist Pitch Day Judge FAQ

Judging/Evaluations

  • At this webpage, you can find the evaluation form for each finalist; along with their video pitches and one-sheet Investor Profiles.
  • Please do not select the “Evaluate” button until you see the Q&A session.

How Will The Finalist Pitch Day Event On July 30 Run?

  • On July 28, judges will receive a private weblink and a unique code for the Finalist Pitch Day on July 30. Please do not share this information with others as your unique code can only be used by one individual.
  • The Finalist Pitch Day event (11:00a-2:00p CST) will open with a quick welcome, and then we will jump right into the Q&A sessions with the founders and senior leaders.
  • Questions will have been gathered from the judges, and the most powerful questions will be asked and answered in a “live” environment (we will conduct a recording session a few days before the July 30 event to capture the finalists’ live responses, which ensures we will not have any technical/internet issues on the day of the event).
  • Judges will be encouraged to ask additional/follow up questions in the live Question panel on the web platform we’re using.
  • After each Q&A session, we will take a 5-10 minute break, which will give judges a chance to fill out a simple Evaluation Form. Links to the Evaluation Forms will appear on the screen during the Q&A sessions and during each break…and we will also provide a central webpage with all Evaluation Form links
  • After the 3rd Q&A session, 6th Q&A session and 10th Q&A session, we will ask judges to rank the companies.

How Can I Ask Questions?

  • From July 16 through July 23, judges will have the opportunity to submit questions through the Judge webpage that houses the pitch videos and Investor Profiles.
  • On July 30 during the Finalist Pitch Day event, judges will have the opportunity to ask additional questions and follow up questions through the Question panel on Maestro, one of our portfolio companies and the interactive video streaming web platform we’re using.

How Do The Pitches Work?

  • You will have already had two weeks to review the Top 10 finalists video pitches.
  • The finalists will have up to 10 minutes to pitch their business.
  • The video pitches you review will include the video of the founder or senior leader, and their slides will be embedded into the video so you can see all slides at all times.

What Is Stadia Looking For From These Pitches?

  • We’re looking for established startups in the sports business space that have existing/innovative products, services, or technologies; and currently have traction, revenue and employ scalable business models with potential for national or international impact.
  • We’re looking for the best companies that are “investible”, have founders that are “mentor-able”, and give Stadia Ventures the best opportunity to accelerate them.
  • We are not looking for the best investment…we are looking for the best companies we can accelerate, which will turn into the best investment.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know As I Evaluate These Companies?

  • This is not a “best pitch” competition, nor is it a “best business plan” competition.
  • When qualitatively evaluating a finalist, please keep in mind the services Stadia may be able to facilitate to strengthen an area of weakness within the business.
  • We’re looking to attract the best entrepreneurial talent to the area. As such, the character, abilities, and value-additive nature of the team matters to us.

What Do I Wear?

  • Since none of the judges or Stadia will see each other, you’re welcome to wear whatever you’d like.

What Other Rock Stars Besides Myself Are Attending?

  • You can find the Judge Bio Booklet here
  • In addition, during the Finalist Pitch Day event, you will find a list of all judges included on Maestro, one of our portfolio companies and the interactive video streaming web platform we’re using.

What Judges Can I Meet?

  • Each judge will receive a list of judges and the Judge Bio Booklet. From this, you are welcome to ask the Stadia team for introductions.

What Can I Share On Social Media?

  • Feel free to post about the event on social media! You can use the names of Stadia, the companies and finalists.
  • Please do not share any of the information presented to you as this is confidential and for your eyes only.

What Are The “Rules of Engagement”?

We know that there will likely be some startups that you see pitch and that you’re really intrigued by and might want to acquire/consult/invest/partner with afterwards. That’s part of the reason we created and structured the event the way we do. While we want to see relationships like that flourish, we do ask all judges and guests to follow a few simple rules when it comes to engaging with startups post-Finalist Pitch Day:

  1. Keep all information shared by either the startups or judges during the course of the event in complete confidence given its sensitive nature.
  2. Do not strike outside deals (business or investing) before Stadia completes negotiations with the startups. Stadia will notify you when the cohort has been finalized, which is a green light for you to continue your discussions.
  3. Before entering any deal after the cohort has been finalized, please leverage Stadia and its additional due diligence materials to ensure you have all available information when making an acquisition/consulting/investment/partnership decision. Stadia has saved many a bad decision (and friendship).

Who Do I Contact If I Need Something?

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