Congratulations to Austin Fast Start Social Impact Pitch Winner – Clusiv
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Young Chamber, in partnership with the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department, congratulates Clusiv, winner of the Austin Fast Start pitch competition that took place virtually on Monday, June 7.
Clusiv is the world’s first and only e-learning platform made for and by the blind and visually impaired. Clusiv is also the first user experience ever designed for screen reader users and the full spectrum of visual impairments.
“I firmly believe that we accelerate our own growth by helping others accelerate theirs. Austin Young Chamber does just that through their competitions that bring local leaders, young professionals, and ambitious Austinites together to further local founders,” says Luke Simianer, CEO of Clusiv. “Momentum and confidence are two of the most intangible needs of a startup that can only be earned. This win adds to Clusiv’s momentum as we head to market with the world’s first e-learning platform for the blind and visually impaired.”
The Austin Fast Start pitch competition fosters the spirit of innovation within Austin by highlighting early stage startups in various economic development priorities. Many businesses are taking on society’s most challenging problems as an integral part of why and how they do business. This cycle’s priority of Social Impact businesses included those that are harnessing the power of business by using profits and growth as a means to a greater end – positive impact for their employees, our communities, and the environment.
“Austin Fast Start’s pitch competition provides a unique opportunity for businesses to elevate themselves through connections, awareness, and funding,” said Susana Carbajal, Assistant Director of the Economic Development Department. “We are proud to partner with the Austin Young Chamber to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas.”
Congratulations to the Social Impact Finalists for this event:
The 2021 Austin Fast Start Pitch Competition will continue with one more strategic priority: Creatives. Applications for the Creatives category are currently open. Businesses applying for the Austin Fast Start must be: (1) headquartered within Austin city limits, (2) in the pre-seed/early revenue stage, and (3) less than two years old. Applications for Creatives will close at 11:59pm on Monday, July 12, 2021. Learn more and apply here.
About the City of Austin Economic Development Department
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and follow @AustinEconDev on Twitter.
About the Austin Young Chamber
The Austin Young Chamber promotes the general economic interests of the Central Texas business community through initiatives and efforts designed to build and strengthen our young professional workforce. Connect with the Austin Young Chamber on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or check out upcoming programs at austinyc.org.
