McDonough Host Technoir 2.0 Pitch Competition

Five exciting tech start-ups from the Washington DC Metro pitched their ideas for business success in front of 600 listeners at Technoir 2.0, a pitch competition and networking event for African American and minority entrepreneurs sponsored by the McDonough School of Business.

“Organizations like Technoir 2.0 are helping to showcase the wonderful talent that comes from every corner of our community,” said Jeff Reid, founding director of the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative. “It’s important for Georgetown University and the McDonough School of Business to engage with the local community. We’re proud to support efforts that promote economic inclusion.”

One local digital marketing firm, Ghost Note Agency, held the inaugural Technoir event in August.That event was so successful that it garnered attention from The Washington Post and the local startup scene.

“Technoir 2.0 just reinforces the strong and growing interest in showcasing and funding diverse ideas and companies,” said Steve Jumper, partner and president of strategy at Ghost Note Agency. “We look forward to continuing to host larger Technoir programming that makes tech and startup culture more accessible to those not historically identified with this community.”

Barry Goldsmith is a sophomore studying international business and finance at the McDonough. He is a pitch competition pro, having attended numerous events of that sort. For him, Technoir 2.0’s presenters stood out for their enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to interact with the audience.

“The environment was positive and action-oriented around helping and growing the community of minority entrepreneurs,” Goldsmith said. “It was refreshing to be a part of a group of people looking to tomorrow to create a better future around entrepreneurship.”

regions: Washington, DC

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