Forest Devices, Inc. wins first place in the McGinnis Venture Competition, hosted by Tepper School of Business on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

Matt Kesinger (CEO) and Dan Willis (CTO) accepting the First Place Trophy at the McGinnis Venture Competition.

Startups need capital and appealing to venture capitalists is a good way for these companies to get these much needed resources. “The McGinnis Venture Competition brings together Carnegie Mellon's best and brightest student entrepreneurs to compete for $60k in investments.” per the competition’s website. “All participants receive priceless interaction with venture capitalists and alumni entrepreneurs, an opportunity to raise capital and valuable feedback on their venture.”

Yesterday Matthew Kesinger—CEO of Forest Devices, Inc., pitched the company’s chief product, AlphaStroke to the McGinnis Venture Competition judges. After progressing from the initial stages of the competition—which started in January, finalists were given the opportunity to sell their companies to a team of judges representing a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and resource management.

Matt Kesinger (CEO) holding the 1st Place Trophy for the McGinnis Venture Competition.

“We are very happy and honored to have wont the McGinnis Venture Competition,” said Kesinger. “All the companies were very impressive, and it was exciting to pitch with them.”

The McGinnis Venture Competition is made possible by a generous endowment from Gerald E. McGinnis, successful entrepreneur and founder of Respironics, Inc. This year’s competition was sponsored by InnovationWorks and Founder.Org.