Burning Heroes’ Global Startup Award Expands to the US, Partners with Plug and Play: Winners Announced

June 26, 2024

By: Lynda Gomez

The Burning Heroes Founders Association is proud to announce the winners of its San Francisco Pitch Session Series, marking a significant expansion of its global startup award into the United States. In collaboration with Plug and Play, a renowned innovation platform, the event showcased the most promising startups from across the country.

“We are excited to bring the founder-centric ethos of Burning Heroes to the US,” said Daria Kuk, Californian Chapter Leader at Burning Heroes, Seasoned Venture Capital Fund Manager, and Accelerators Director. “Partnering with Plug and Play amplifies our mission to support new founders and foster a thriving ecosystem for innovative businesses. The talent on display at the San Francisco Pitch Session was truly remarkable, and we eagerly anticipate the achievements of these founders with the backing of our network and resources.”

Held at Plug and Play’s Silicon Valley headquarters, the pitch session saw finalists present their groundbreaking concepts to a distinguished jury of venture capitalists and industry experts. Winners were selected based on a combination of market potential, innovation, and product design.

The standout projects included:

Smart Teddy (Best Startup – “VISIONERS”): This innovative startup is revolutionizing early childhood education with its interactive stuffed toys that double as educational companions for preschoolers. By seamlessly integrating learning into playtime, Smart Teddy aims to foster a love for learning from a young age.
Orcool (Best Product – “STRONG PRODUCT”): Leveraging AI to transform the digital advertising landscape, Orcool’s cutting-edge product impressed the jury with its ability to address industry challenges with a blend of practicality and sophistication. Their AI-driven solutions promise to streamline advertising processes and optimize outcomes for businesses.
L-Charge (Best Business Model – “MARKET MASTERY”): With a vision for a sustainable future, L-Charge is pioneering on-site electricity generation from renewable sources directly at charging stations. Their robust and easily expandable business model has the potential to disrupt the renewable energy sector and accelerate the transition to clean energy solutions.

“The San Francisco Pitch Session Series underscored the exceptional talent and ingenuity within the US startup scene,” said Polina Kurach, International PR & Communications Advisor and a jury member at Burning Heroes. “We are thrilled to offer these founders a platform to connect with investors and propel their ventures to new heights.”

Kurach, with her extensive experience in international communications and a proven track record at mega-events like the Olympic Games, New York Fashion Week, EXPO and AIMAG, previously at Qiwi, Mikhailov & Partners (ALROSA, Whirlpool, Jumeirah, KAMAZ) brings her unique perspective to Burning Heroes.

Evgeny Lazebny, a Product Designer with over 17.5 years of experience, highlighted the critical role of design in startup success. “My role at the Burning Heroes Association focuses on design; I optimize workflows, improve quality, and advise startups on effectively communicating their product’s design value. While some might think design is not crucial, it often becomes the bridge between an innovative idea and market success.” Evgeny’s portfolio includes designing award-winning mobile gaming apps such as Among Water, Cyber Dude, Catch A Place – S7 Airlines, Fobia, and Barney – Learn English.

Kristina Larina, Lead of Participants Engagement at Burning Heroes and Expert in Startup Management and Growth, added, “It’s truly inspiring to witness the innovation and dedication these startups bring to the table. As Lead of Participants Engagement, my mission is to seek out the brightest and most promising startups, connect with them, and highlight their potential. By inviting them to join our award program, we aim to provide them with the recognition and support they deserve. The connections made and feedback received here will undoubtedly propel many of these ventures forward.”

Kristina Larina brings over 4 years of experience working in the startup ecosystem. During this time, she has held senior positions and managed large projects. While working at TraceAir, a successful construction tech startup, Kristina advanced from a business assistant position to a senior role in just two years. She played a key role in managing the due diligence for a Series B $25M investment and in scaling the company’s SaaS revenues. Kristina effectively led revenue management operations, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the sales counting system despite the company’s rapid growth. As the Lead of Participants Engagement for the San Francisco chapter of Burning Heroes, Kristina played a crucial role in organizing the award for aspiring founders, helping many startups get the opportunity to showcase their projects to venture funds and accelerators. This is her first time serving as a judge, and she has already made a significant impact with her strategic insights and supportive approach, fostering a nurturing environment for emerging entrepreneurs.

By extending its reach to the US and partnering with Plug and Play, Burning Heroes is creating a global network of innovative entrepreneurs and fostering a vibrant ecosystem where startups can thrive. This collaboration emphasizes the power of international cooperation in driving technological advancements and fueling economic growth.

Burning Heroes actively seeks out first-time founders leading early-stage IT startups (Pre-seed, Seed, Round A) and is committed to providing them with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. The organization’s focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive community ensures that the next generation of innovators have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the world.

Published By: Aize Perez