COMMON Pitch is an accelerator for the next great social innovators. Our “Party to Fix the World” places eight pre-selected social entrepreneurs in the spotlight to introduce their creative concept for social innovation to hundreds of collaborative audience members, thousands more watching online and a panel of celebrity judges.
But the exposure isn’t all they’re after; our winning entrepreneurs will take home over of $30,000.00 in prizes, including cash and in-kind services to accelerate the evolution of their conscious startup – including office space, travel, brand, legal and business consulting and crowdfunding support. And even some fair trade chocolate, because nothing tastes better with Top Ramen than chocolate.
COMMON Pitch NYC wouldn’t be such an amazing opportunity for these entrepreneurs without a generous prize package including business strategy, legal, travel and work space donations from our inspiring, creative and collaborative partners.
So a huge thank you, thank you, thank you to the following…
Daniel Karpantschof of Genco Pura & The Ideas Lab at The Economist
Business Strategy Services
@Karpantschof
Daniel Karpantschof has worked with business development strategies for various organizations and corporations over the last decade, and as a member of various cabinet level committees in the Danish government (including the Council on European Policies and the Board of Education) contributed to several pieces of legislation as well as acted as Danish representative to the UNESCO.
Daniel co-created numerous companies, including Europe’s first supplier of 100% clean and sustainable energy, a cell phone service provider, an international consulting house focusing on executive talent management and gender equality, a product development agency, a new presence on the consulting market in the States, selling consigliere services as well as been member of numerous company and organization boards, such as the board of directors of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, Danish Evaluation Institute and FEMAs Strategic Foresight Initiative. Summer 2011 he moved to New York City immediately following the Nexus: Global Youth Summit on Innovative Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship, which he co-founded, in charge of visions, development, production and execution.
As of January 2012 Daniel works at The Economist Ideas Lab, developing new initiatives for brand extension, products and services.
Kyle Westaway of Westaway Law
Legal Services
@KyleWestaway
Kyle believes in the power of the market to create a positive social and environmental change. He is a cofounder of Biographe – a sustainable style brand that employs and empowers survivors of the commercial sex trade – and Founding Partner of Westaway Law - an innovative New York City law firm that counsels social entrepreneurs.
Kyle is a Cordes Fellow and is an Xemplar award winner. He lectures at Harvard and Stanford Law Schools. He launched Socentlaw – the first blog on social entrepreneurship law. he writes for Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Huffington Post, Venture Beat, GOOD. Kyle has been featured by We Are NY Tech and Dowser.
American Airlines
Travel Services
@AmericanAir
American Airlines has 87,000 full-time and part-time employees worldwide, and we understand that our responsibility as a global citizen begins with our people and extends to communities around the world. Our sustained investment in responsible business practices takes many forms—from ethical governance to our commitment to diversity and inclusion, to our focus on safety, the environment, and giving back to our communities. We continuously strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our customers, employees, shareholders, and in the communities and environments where we live, work, and play.
We have a responsibility to drive the best possible outcomes for all our stakeholders. Our CEO, Gerard Arpey, describes how the actions we are taking within the context of our strategic framework, Flight Plan 2020, not only position us for financial success, but also help us deliver positive environmental, social, and economic change. Read the full letter here.
WeWork
Work Space & Physical Social Network
@WeWork
WeWork is a physical social network that supports creativity, collaboration and innovation. Starting just two years ago, WeWork has grown from a concept in late 2009 to six buildings and nearly 2000 members in early 2012. In addition to satisfying our members’ practical needs, WeWork strives to empower and inspire them to grow – personally and financially. WeWork is a privately held company and is headquartered in New York, New York.
For more information on WeWork, please call 646.205.3656 or visit Website: wework.com
Indiegogo
Crowdfunding
@indiegogo
Since 2008, Indiegogo has provided anyone in the world with the opportunity to raise funds for an idea, invention, passion or business. With over 50,000 campaigns launched in over 200 countries, we have projects from the areas of Creative, Cause and Entreprenurial, offering both Flexible or Fixed Funding.
Kopali Organics
Chocolate
@Kopali
Deep in the rainforest of Costa Rica, living on our off-the-grid farm and sustainability center, we discovered the most incredibly and luscious food, grown by indigenous farmers in harmony with the ecosystems that support all life. We founded Kopali to invite you, through delighting in this pure goodness, to join us in creating a more sustainable and compassionate world for all. Today with every bag of Kopali, together we are supporting thousands of farmers, and communities in countries all over the world.
COMMON Pitch South Africa
