Pitch NJ – a “Shark Tank” for Teens

As sharks go, ours were more admiring than predatory.

Morris Tech Meetup, MCEDC and high-school-student-run Business Bootcamp hosted a pitch competition for aspiring entrepreneurs …. in their teen years. Start-up culture fits perfectly with Morris County’s youth culture – the excitement of presenting a creative idea with the courage to risk failure.  The pitch roster was whittled down to ten (10) teams of 2 – 4 students.

The Keynote Address

Ari Sorken, former CFO of Bai Brands, was both personable and generous with his time.  As a keynote speaker, he was informal and revealing about his company’s approach.  Bai decided they were aiming for the Conscious Authentic.  This was not an existing market segment.  Bai invented a market segment along with their brand.


Ari Soroken has been able to grow his hair now that he’s a Princeton millionaire. Ari taught that successful companies are bought, not sold.  A company should never be for sale. Bai formed a strong culture; one that snubbed its’ nose at the big soda companies.  Yet they were still was able to get distribution and to sell the company (to Dr. Pepper) for a record sum.

 The Competition

The competition format allowed 5 min to explain invention, the market size, the problem solved, and market differentiation.  Then 5 min for questions and feedback from the judges.

All contestants were confident, practiced and prepared.  Many entries had an emotional pull.  The biggest mistake made was being too technical – a common problem for inventors.

The Big Winner

Won $1000, the big check and a trophy.  Also, consulting services regarding their future in business.   Their time with Macrosoft’s executive leadership is a prize to be coveted.

Next year, MCECC will aim to get more sponsors so that 2nd and 3rd place winners can go home with a financial prize.