BOARDMAN, Ohio – One of the Mahoning Valley’s most anticipated business events is set to return this fall as the Youngstown Business Incubator hosts its annual Shark Tank fundraiser Oct. 23 at Mr. Anthony’s.
The evening will bring together entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders for a high-energy pitch competition that also serves as YBI’s primary fundraising event of the year.
“This year we changed things up a little bit,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI. “Every company that gets up onto the stage, all four will receive at least $5,000, so that’s a guarantee.”
Along with the baseline award, Medical Mutual will present a $10,000 prize to the company chosen by the panel of sharks, while audience participation will determine an additional $5,000 award. “There’s a lot of money on the table this year,” Ewing noted.
The four companies selected to pitch reflect a diverse mix of industries and technologies. Nivalon Medical, a spinal implant company, is leveraging ceramic 3D printing technology YBI purchased from Israeli firm XJet, as well as an AI platform that maps the spine to create patient-specific devices. Leap Fast Manufacturing, founded by former NASA and Department of Energy engineers, recently relocated to the Mahoning Valley to advance new welding technologies. Wrapped, created by a Canfield-based entrepreneur, uses AI to help readers better understand and research biblical texts. And Gizmo and Trinket, a northeastern Ohio startup, has developed a product that allows gamers to use physical dice and trinkets in virtual play.
Since its inception, YBI’s Shark Tank has provided a launchpad for emerging companies while drawing attention to the Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Past participants have gone on to secure follow-on investment, expand into new markets and create jobs in the region.
“Shark Tank is our only fundraiser for the year. It is one of the largest fundraising events in the Valley,” Ewing said. “It typically either sells out or comes pretty close to selling out, so we encourage everybody who’s interested in getting their tickets early.”
Beyond its financial impact, the event underscores YBI’s mission to support technology-based startups and strengthen the regional economy.
“We love doing it. It is a high-energy, fun event,” Ewing added. “We put a lot of work into turning it into, every year, the best event ever, and we look forward to doing that again this year.”