Edible Insect Company Detroit Ento Wins Pitch Competition

For the first time in its history, the Conference welcomed four aspiring Detroit entrepreneurs to the Sound Board stage for a chance to pitch their business in front of a panel of judges and Conference attendees. Finalists included: Boots on the Ground, Detroit Ento, Flash Delivery, and Pro:Up.

When the dust settled, judges declared Anthony Hatinger and Theodore Kozerski of Detroit Ento winners of a prize package worth over $7,000. The duo, whose business focuses on turning locally sourced insects into food products, received $2,000 in cash, a Chamber membership, and professional consulting services donated by Comcast Business Solutions, Level One Bank, Tanner Friedman and Varnum LLP. Additionally, Hatinger and Kozerski received an all-expense paid trip to the 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference, where they will compete against a West Michigan entrepreneur during a pitch competition on Michigan’s Center Stage featuring “Shark Tank” co-host Daymond John.

Sponsored by Comcast Business Solutions, the Detroit Pitch Competition’s judges were Dennis Archer Jr., president of Archer Corporate Services and chair of the 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference; Craig D’Agostini, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at Comcast; Devita Davison, marketing and communications director at FoodLab Detroit; and Gabe Karp, partner at Detroit Venture Partners. The competition was emceed by Michigan Women’s Foundation President and CEO Carolyn Cassin, whose organization served as a partner in executing the competition.