Raise Health Innovations participated in the 2023 Pure Pitch Rally pitch competition, received $23,000 during the pitch competition, including the $3,000 People’s Choice Award. To read the full article go to https://www.startlandnews.com/2023/10/pure-pitch-rally-2023-2/
“Like me, half of you in this room and around the world have experienced a major mental health battle,” said Craig Mason, co-founder and CEO, who told the audience that he contemplated suicide as a teen. “But 75 percent of us with mental health needs get no help at all. And for those that do, the average time is 11 years from first symptom to first treatment.”
Many land sharks cited a personal connection to the startup’s mission, which Mason shared is important to helping shatter the stigma around mental health.
“It’s so great to hear people say that they’ve had these experiences, too, and want to help us get there,” Mason told Startland News after the land sharks announced which startups they chose to fund. “We’ve got a big mission and we just really want to go help people. Seeing everybody here also raise their hand to be part of it really is special.”
Monday’s event marked the eighth edition of the pitch competition, and the second hosted at the Burns & McDonnell campus.
“We built this network so you can see us give, and so you can see how business is done in Kansas City,” Karen Fenaroli, founder of the Pure Pitch Rally, told Monday’s crowd.
With enthusiasm and the prospect of groundbreaking innovations, each company pitched their vision, aiming to win over judges and secure essential funding. Additionally, Plexpod granted a year’s worth of office space to all eight presenters.
“I challenge each of you to join us, and it’s critically important to raise the bar, raise the impact on mental health, because each life is worth it,” said Mason. “Let’s all rally together and ensure that everyone is really OK.”
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