Mayor Francis Suarez is pitchman for age-empowering startups

With a goal of creating a “Miami for Everyone,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s Venture Miami Team is collaborating with AARP Innovation Labs to host a nationwide pitch competition March 9.

The competition seeks innovators providing solutions to empower people as they age with opportunities for learning, entertainment and connection to foster inclusive communities where everyone thrives.

“The Miami Movement is about leaving no one behind – it’s about every person who comes to Miami being able to find a life that they cherish and are proud of, which is why my Venture Miami Team is partnering with AARP Innovation Labs to deliver on that mission of creating a Miami for Everyone,” said Mr. Suarez.

Miami-Dade is home to more than 2.7 million persons. More than a half-million of those are age 60-plus, which makes the county home to the largest number of older adults in the state.

The winner of the AARP Innovation Labs pitch competition supported by Venture Miami will receive up to $20,000 and meet with Mayor Suarez for a “Cafecito Talk.” The audience’s choice winner will receive $5,000.

Other startups invited to pitch may be offered a spot in an upcoming AARP Innovation Labs’ accelerator cohort, where they can expect hands-on mentorship by a team with years of experience building and creating solutions for the 50-plus audience.

The competition is open to all early-stage startups based in the US that have raised less than $500,000 in annual revenue and received less than $10 million in investments. Six to eight finalists will present.

“This pitch competition is a key opportunity for these startups to build strategic connections, collaborate and connect with mentors and investors to gain visibility and receive important feedback to help strengthen their business model and message,” said Andy Miller, AARP senior vice president, AARP Innovation Labs.

Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of health tech startup Papa, a Miami-based company that offers care and companionship to seniors, will speak and share his experience.

“As individuals, as communities and as a society at large, we owe every older adult the ability to thrive,” said Mr. Parker.

“While many see this as a problem to solve, I see it as an opportunity – one we have to approach with new thinking and collaboration. I’m excited to hear from teams at the upcoming pitch competition, and to share some of my own experiences about building and scaling Papa right here in Miami,” he said.

Finalists must be available in person March 9. They will be responsible for their own travel and lodging.

Applications to join the AARP Innovation Labs and Venture Miami pitch competition are being accepted. The deadline is Feb. 3. Details: https://aarpinnovationlabs.org/apply-for-connect-thrive-pitch-competition/.

Venture Miami is a portfolio team that was assembled by and reports directly to Mayor Suarez.

The mission and goal of the Venture Miami team is to make Miami the “capital of capital” with an innovative technology ecosystem and economy that delivers for everyone.

Its five pillars: provide concierge support for funders and founders; connect talent to jobs; promote diversity, equity and inclusion; bridge connections between new-to-market entities and the existing innovation ecosystem; and support regional collaboration among local governments, economic development agencies and organizations.