Invest Southwest Names Avnet, Inc. as Visionary Sponsor for 2016 Venture Madness Competition
Technology Distributor Avnet Supports Bracket-Style Startup Competition
Phoenix, Arizona (November 24, 2015) – Invest Southwest today announced Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a leading global technology distributor, as a visionary sponsor for the 2016 Venture Madness Competition. This is Avnet’s first year as a sponsor for the bracket-style startup competition.
For the Venture Madness Competition, Invest Southwest will select 64 early-stage companies to compete in the bracket-style, head-to-head competition for a chance at the $100,000 shared prize. The match-up highlights innovation in the Southwest with a prize that is double the value of last year’s contest. The annual three-day event brings more than 250 attendees to Arizona including top-tier investors and innovative companies both on a local and regional level. Applications will be accepted through December 17, 2015.
“Avnet is a staple in Arizona’s tech community and their sponsorship and support underscores the value Venture Madness provides to the entrepreneurial community,” said Mario Martinez II, Invest Southwest Executive Committee chairman. “The companies that apply have a valuable opportunity to network with great mentors, and our sponsors are very much a part of that process. Avnet’s support will underscore our mission to build the Arizona ecosystem.”
“This competition represents a chance to showcase the best and brightest within the startup scene,” said Kris Burgoon, vice president of Marketing for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. “Promoting innovation is an important part of both Avnet’s future and the Southwest region’s. We look forward to a great competition.”
This year, Invest Southwest offered seven different levels of sponsorship for interested companies ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. For more information about Venture Madness or becoming a sponsor, please visit: /sponsorship/ .
About Invest Southwest
Invest Southwest is the premier organization for connecting investors with the best and brightest ventures in the region. In addition to providing valuable information on topics important to the investment community, Invest Southwest offers year-round opportunities for investors to connect with emerging growth companies. Its signature event, Venture Madness, is a unique competition presented in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority. Venture Madness pits 64 thoroughly evaluated emerging companies against one another in a bracket-style, head-to-head competition to crown the champion of champions. Visit https://venturemadness.com for more information.