The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce (PMRC) chose Lambent Data as one of five companies to be featured at Pitch Stop V, occurring on February 23, 2023. Lambent's Co-founder and CEO Kirsten Hund Blair participated in this lively in-person event, which was held at the beautiful Grounds for Sculpture, as it had been in 2022, when Lambent had also been selected.
The event attracted over 150 people, including investors, entrepreneurs, and others interested in innovation. Out of many applicants, five companies were chosen; three were chosen to pitch on stage and have display tables; the other two (including Lambent) were chosen to have display tables. Kirsten engaged in a number of conversations with fellow participants. In addition to talking about Lambent’s work as a social impact software company, Kirsten noted the opportunity for investors to apply for the 20% Angel Investor Tax Credit, which is open to investors investing in emerging technology businesses in NJ with less than 225 employees and several other conditions. Investors do not need to live in NJ to qualify for this.
After the formal event ended, networking continued inside and outside. Attendees were invited to walk around outdoors through the fascinating "Night Forms: Infinite Wave" experience, with colored lights illuminating sculptures as multi-layered music played throughout the exhibits.
The winner of the pitches was Innerstill, which is “a minority-owned, women-led enterprise launching wearable electroceutical products for restoring a sense of calm and increased feelings of wellbeing and inner fitness,” using patented, research-based technologies. Innerstill was represented by Ellyn Ito (Co-Founder and CEO) and Laate Olukotun (Co-founder and Chief of Product and Experience Design).
Judges included Sean O’Sullivan (SOSV Founder and Managing General Partner), Gia Fruscione (Let Her Play Founder and CEO and Princeton Alumni Angels Co-Chair) and Grace Hahn (Edison Partners Senior Associate).
Gretchen DiMarco (the PMRC Director of Events) and Mark Troy (PMRC Event Coordinator) smoothly coordinated with Karen Hollywood (Grounds for Sculpture Director of Corporate & Foundation Engagement) and other colleagues for the details of the evening. Kirsten and Karen are pictured below.
Gabi and Mike Johnson of YourTownTube.com and FitFabandWellTube.com skillfully videotaped and photographed the event, including interviewing entrepreneurs and other participants. Here is the video in which Kirsten was interviewed about Lambent Data: https://www.yourtowntube.com/video/15980/lambent-data-at-pitch-stop-princeton-mercer-regional-chamber