Gauntlet (gaunt-let) Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French gauntelet Definition : an open challenge — used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet

What to Expect The Hatchery's Gauntlet Events embody the principle of Venture Collaboration  At their core is an interactive process affording 3 emerging companies, with a proven track record and history of outside investment to each take the stage for 30 minutes apiece.  They will present for 7 minutes, and then a panel of specialists/investors in that event's respective theme will take 15 minutes interrogating the presenters in front of an audience comprised of investors (Private Equity, VC, Early Stage, Fortune 500, Angel), corporate executives, analysts and members of the press. There can be up to 4-5 minutes of questions from the audience.

The Gauntlet events each year are all by invitation only. As stated earlier, each one focuses on a particular "hot" vertical for that year. Previous verticals have included:  mobile, interactive advertising, digital media, enterprise, financial services, gaming, social media an digital media. The event series has garnered its share of attention domestically and internationally.

Gauntlets are held in partnership with Associations: IAB, Astia, Keiretsu, Levin Institute Universities:  Columbia, NYU, CUNY, St Johns Consulates:  New Zealand, United Kingdom, Israel Think of it like this, The Gauntlet is where American Idol meets Venture Capital.

Everyone learns something from the experience and they ALL play a part: The Panelist This is where one's inner SImon Cowell emerges. Panelists offer their insight, and expertise working from information provided about the presenter in advance in the form of a concise one-pager. Now is the not the time to be shy.  Panelists are encouraged to question, critique and be brutally honest. Their mandate is to draw out information and extract the truth, whether it be good, bad or ugly. The Gauntlet is followed by a private reception for the panelists, presenters and select guests.

The Audience The Gauntlet kicks off with a 30 minute reception where audience members will familiarize themselves with the community, having the opportunity to meet fellow investors, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. Audience members come by special invitation and are there because of their particular focus, interest and affinity with the event's respective theme. Here is the perfect opportunity to learn more about a particular vertical by directly interacting with the presenters and analysts and experiencing the presentations first hand. The Presenter The timers starts and there's no turning back. Presenters will have up to 24 minutes of face-time with the audience and panelists. 7 minutes to give the tightest and most comprehensive pitch of their lives to an invitation only audience of a 100+, including an expert panel of investors, analysts and industry specialists. Unlike any other forum in NYC, it allows entrepreneurs to reach a diverse cross section of the investment and business community who can help them succeed.  Presenters are  invited to the private reception afterwards with the panelists, presenters, and select guests.