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Challenge

MFN Applied AI Business-to-Business Pitch (AAIB2B)

Application Open: Monday, January 12th 
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 28th 

The MFN AAIB2B Challenge is a statewide program designed to help early-stage B2B startups that employ AI to solve client problems prepare to engage investors and other funders. Participants will refine their pitch, strengthen their business models, plan for growth, and gain exposure to peers and experts in the Massachusetts innovation ecosystem.

Selected teams will take part in a structured, mentor-driven experience that combines virtual workshops with individualized support, culminating in a live, in-person final pitch event. One team will be selected to receive a $20,000 prize.

PROGRAM FORMAT

  • Up to 15 teams invited to participate
  • Three workshops 
  • 1:1 meetings with experienced mentors and subject-matter experts
  • Two-stage pitch competition
    • Preliminary (virtual):  all teams pitch, participants vote to five teams to advance
    • Final (in person): panel of experts selects one of five finalists to win a $20K prize. Location: Greater metro Boston area TBD

SELECTION CRITERIA

Companies must:

  • Demonstrate high growth potential
  • Operate primarily in Massachusetts
  • Employ AI tools (e.g., agents, LLMs) to address current challenges faced by mature businesses
APPLICATION

Application Open: Monday, January 12th 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 28th 

 

Only startups with a majority of their operations based in Massachusetts will be invited to participate in this program.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

YOUR NAME:
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS:
YOUR PHONE NUMBER (MOBILE PREFERRED):
COMPANY NAME:
COMPANY WEBSITE (IF AVAILABLE):
COMPANY ADDRESS:

MARKET:

1. Explain who your customers are and the problem you seek to solve for them. *
2. Describe the size and sector of your market as a whole. *

PRODUCT: 

1. Describe your product. *
2. Explain the benefits of your product and how it differentiates from the current alternative. *
3. Do you have a prototype or an minimum viable product? *
4. What is your revenue model? (e.g. product sales, software licensing, subscription, etc.) *

ELIGIBILITY:

1. Challenge participants are required to propose business models that grow quickly, attract investment capital, and create jobs. Explain how your company will do this.
2. Beyond winning the innovation grant, what would be your goals for participating in the Challenge?
3. Within the past year has your company earned more than $500,000 in annual sales?
4. Can your CEO attend all required workshops? (CEO is required, additional team members are welcome)
February 6, February 30, March 6, March 27
5. How did you hear about the Applied AI Business to Business Challenge?

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MFN Deal Rooms are stored on MFN/Lever Google Workspace. Only the following people will have access to your Deal Room:

 

  1. You and any members of your team that you designate. You will have editing privileges, and can add others with editing privileges at your discretion.
  2. MFN/ Lever staff will have administrative access, but we will not give access to any third parties without your consent.
  3. Investors that you select.

 

Your Deal Room will have all of the security protections provided by Google.

Founders are everywhere, but resources aren’t.

That’s a shame, because the next big idea could come from anywhere.

 

The Massachusetts Founder Network aims to bridge the gap, giving startup founders equitable access to resources that will help their companies grow.

 

We support MA founders no matter where they come from, their company’s stage, or their business sector. We want to democratize access to the resources that will help them accelerate—and excel. All founders are welcome to find resources and community at MFN while creating connections, expanding their networks, and learning from one another.

About MFN

The Massachusetts Founders Network is a central hub for all things startups, fostering innovation and collaboration across the state. MFN offers valuable networking, resources, mentorship, and community for startup founders in Massachusetts. 

 

MFN is produced by Lever, a startup accelerator based in North Adams. Our work is supported by funding from and collaboration with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, based in Westborough.

 

We’ve been advising and connecting with entrepreneurs for years, and we’re using that knowledge and network to launch something new, with the help of an advisory board of successful founders and major players in the startup ecosystem. 

We plan to launch the Massachusetts Founders Network in summer 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to get alerts about our launch, new features, and MFN events!