June 22, 2023 -
South Burlington, VT – Vermont Federal Credit Union proudly sponsored LaunchVT Demo Night 2023, Vermont's premier business pitch competition, which took place at Hula on June 20. Eight founders from the 2023 LaunchVT cohort showcased their groundbreaking startup ideas to a diverse audience of more than 300 investors, mentors, and community members for a chance at winning cash prizes. This marks the second year that Vermont Federal has sponsored the event, contributing $5,000 towards it.
Demo Night serves as the culmination for LaunchVT's intensive accelerator program, which provides startups with mentorship, resources, training, and connections to help propel their ventures forward. Founded by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2012, LaunchVT aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and cultivate the next generation of business leaders.
"We are thrilled to sponsor Demo Night yet again and bring together Vermont's vibrant startup community for a night of inspiration and celebration," said Jean Giard, President/CEO at Vermont Federal Credit Union. "This event is a testament to the remarkable talent and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within our state."
Zachary Chilcote, business services manager at Vermont Federal Credit Union, serves as a volunteer mentor in LaunchVT’s accelerator program, a role he has held since 2022. A lender for nearly a decade, Chilcote works with businesses of all sizes and life stages from start-up through scaling, working closely with his experienced team to provide Vermont businesses with the capital needed to grow and thrive.
"I’m proud to be part of the journey of Vermont's entrepreneurs," Chilcote said. "We recognize the importance of providing guidance and resources to help new businesses thrive. It is a privilege to serve as a mentor and to support the incredible potential that Vermont's entrepreneurs possess."
During Demo Night, founders presented their business pitches to a panel of expert judges. Each startup had the opportunity to showcase their unique value proposition, demonstrate market viability, and articulate their vision for future growth. Plink!, founded by Max Luthy and Luke Montgomery-Smith, was named the Grand Prize Winner, and SleepWell Recycling, founded by Joshua Costa and Rob LaClair, was selected as the Audience Choice Award.
Learn more about Business Products and Services offered by Vermont Federal Credit Union.
About Vermont Federal Credit Union
Vermont Federal Credit Union is a $900 million-plus full-service, not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution that has served Vermonters for more than 70 years, with eight locations currently serving over 50,000 members. Members are part of a cooperative, meaning they share ownership in the Credit Union and elect a volunteer board of directors. Vermont Federal Credit Union provides membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in all of Vermont. Vermont Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting its communities and helping Vermonters prosper, no matter where they may be on life’s journey. Learn more about Vermont Federal Credit Union.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Peter Winch
Director of Marketing
pwinch@vermontfederal.org
(802) 658-0225 x 1312
