Algorand partners with eMERGE Americas for $420k start-up showcase

Algorand has partnered with eMERGE Americas to present the 2022 global startup showcase, which will see cash prizes awarded to winners of among 100 competing early-stage enterprises.

A number of venture capital firms have contributed to the $420k prize pot with $250k coming from Florida Funders, an additional $120k from Panoramic Ventures and $50k from organisers eMerge Americas.

Algorand (ALGO) has been chosen as the headline partner with the goal of driving forward investment in blockchain-based web 3.0.

eMerge Americas are set to select 100 startups within three stages (University Stage, Early Stage and Late Stage) to participate in a robust multi-week program, which will culminate in a grand finale pitch competition.

Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary (Mr. Wonderful) will be a judge in the Startup Showcase finale along with Ryan Whittemore from Florida Funders, and Paul Judge from Panoramic Ventures.

Algorand CEO Steve Kokinos: eMerge presents serious opportunity

Steve Kokinos (CEO of Algorand) explained that the showcase would present exciting opportunities for the blockchain to build linkages with the best and brightest in Miami’s tech scene.

“We are extremely excited to be collaborating with eMerge Americas on the 2022 Startup Showcase in order to support founders and developers who are building applications and solutions of the future,” said Kokinos.

“Algorand is becoming the modern infrastructure for serious blockchain-based initiatives and we look forward to fostering the Miami tech ecosystem as the innovation accelerates.”

More than 800 startups that have participated in the eMerge Americas Startup Showcase since the program’s origins in 2014, of which 70 startups have raised an aggregate of more than $1 billion in venture capital funding.

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