Women-Led Tech Startups Zinnia & Croux Win Pitch HearstLab Atlanta

During the HearstLab’s pitch event, 2 startups were named as the winners of the competition at Pitch HearstLab Atlanta for being early stage, women-led technology startups. In addition, a total of 5 organisations got selected as finalists and allowed forward to present in-person at Google.

Additionally, each founder grabbed the chance and pitched to a live audience along with a panel of expert judges that included Hearst EVP and HearstLab Chairwoman Eve Burton; CAMP SVP of Strategic Partnerships & Emerging Business Lisa Butters; Zane Venture Fund founder and managing partner Shila Nieves Burney.

During the event, a fireside panel discussion also took place, with CXO, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs at Rice University Monica Delores Hooks; National Director, Startups & Digital Native Growth, Google Tara Seppa; CEO and co-founder of HearstLab portfolio company, Barometer Tamara Nelson. The panel was moderated by Hearst Newspapers VP of Engagement & Retention, Kelli Dakake.

Furthermore, Zinnia founder and CEO Lauren Goodell said, “We’re very excited to work with HearstLab and the entire team because they come with so much industry expertise and work with brands we know Zinnia can help, partner with, and learn from.”

Lastly, Croux Founder and CEO Jennifer Ryan added, “Investment from HearstLab and Hearst is validation that we’re not only doing something meaningful but also game changing. We’re excited to have access to the HearstLab community who will be advocates, sponsors, mentors and will help us figure out which armor to put on as we navigate what comes next.”