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Top Innovator AwardThe Top Innovator Award.
At each capital forum, the Top Innovator Award goes to the presenting company that excels across six criteria, chosen by a panel of judges.
How presenters are judged.
LICA assembles a panel of judges, often drawn from the forum’s investor panel and LICA’s board, to score every presenting company on the same six criteria. The award reflects both the strength of the business and the quality of the pitch, and it caps off the forum before the room breaks into introductions.
- Intuitive ideaA concept an investor understands quickly.
- Big addressable marketRoom to grow into a meaningful business.
- Competitive differentiationA clear reason customers choose you.
- Go-to-market planA credible path to customers and revenue.
- Strong teamThe people to execute the plan.
- Compelling presentationA pitch that holds the room.
Hall of fame.
- 2024
Compozure
A lifestyle concierge company, chosen from six presenters at the Food Industry Capital Forum and holiday celebration at Great South Bay Brewing Company in Bay Shore, which benefited Island Harvest. Judges included Mark Elenowitz, Michael Lane, and Gus Spathis of Xogito.
- 2023
Empire Farms
A women-owned and led New York corporation operating one of the state’s first licensed adult-use cannabis cultivation businesses, chosen from six presenters at a record-attendance Cannabis Capital Forum. Founder Tessa E. Williams accepted the award from Michael Lane.
[We are] tremendously grateful to each of you for your time, guidance and support.Tessa E. Williams, Empire Farms