Astraeus Ocean Systems, a startup focused on ocean data collection, won the Bellingham Angel Investors’ Startup Pitch Competition, receiving a $6,000 check. The competition aimed to highlight entrepreneurs in Northwest Washington and foster a startup ecosystem in the region. A total of 12 finalists pitched their business ideas in front of judges and an audience of about 50 people. Astraeus, which plans to deploy autonomous boats to gather environmental data, impressed the judges with their innovative approach to ocean intelligence.
Astraeus is building a fleet of solar-powered autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that can be dispatched as needed to collect and share sensor data. The company envisions a globally distributed network of ASVs that are available 24/7 at a lower cost than current ocean data collection methods. CEO Alex Parker stated that the first prize money will be used to purchase an instrument for their vessels to conduct searches for derelict fishing gear in Puget Sound, expediting their pilot projects. The startup plans to conduct trials in Puget Sound this year and launch paid pilots in early 2025.
Among the other finalists were startups like Tiny Steps, Big Leaps, which proposed a child care and learning center focused on the underserved birth through age 3 group, and Geo Garden Club, which presented an app to help serious gardeners with plant recommendations. The event showcased a variety of tech-related startups from Bellingham, with many incorporating AI into their pitches. Winners included SelfReflect, an app for motion tracking for VTubers, and Automated Poker Tables, which introduced advanced poker tables designed to increase casino revenue and player satisfaction.
The Bellingham Angel Investors, the group behind the competition, aims to stimulate the local entrepreneurial community by providing opportunities for startups to pitch their ideas and receive feedback. In addition to the cash prizes, finalists had the chance to participate in coaching and workshop sessions ahead of the competition. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and other startup players, fostering connections and collaboration within the regional startup landscape.
The startup ecosystem in Northwest Washington is diverse, with a focus on enterprise software, consumer apps, agriculture, maritime, energy, and clean/green technology. Innovate Bellingham, an initiative led by Rhys Faler, hosts networking events and meetups for innovators in the region. Faler is also organizing a Bellingham Startup Weekend to further support and promote local entrepreneurs. The judges evaluated the finalists based on the strength of their business ideas, aiming to identify scalable and impactful startups that could attract angel investments.
The Bellingham Angel Investors hope that the competition will lead to successful funding for some of the startups and support the overall growth of the entrepreneurial community in the region. By engaging with startups at an early stage and providing opportunities for pitch events and networking, BAI aims to cultivate a supportive environment for innovation and business development. The organization encourages startups to take the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey and looks forward to supporting their success in the future.
