An attempt to set a new Guinness World Records title for the Longest business pitch marathon will take place in London on June 1 2 as part of Virgin Media Business' VOOM 2016 - the UK and Ireland's biggest and most valuable pitch competition.
The 29 hour live-streamed record breaking attempt will see 160 shortlisted entrepreneurs pitch back-to-back to a panel of esteemed judges. This follows more than 3,000 entries from the UK and Ireland.
The record-setting ambition is announced as the 80 top businesses from each of the two competition categories Start-up and Grow' emerged after over half a million public votes were cast. The successful businesses range from transport themed glamping villages, to luxurious pillows and martial arts coaching.
Peter Kelly, Managing Director of Virgin Media Business said: I'm looking forward to hearing 160 innovative and inspiring ideas over the course of 29-hour record attempt, although I am not underestimating the challenge. Like any true entrepreneur we never do things by halves at Virgin Media Business and achieving this record will add another level of ambition to the VOOM 2016' competition.
Crowdfunder Campaign
A sum of over £675,000 has also been collectively raised by the 700 entrants simultaneously running their own crowdfunding campaign through competition partner Crowdfunder, making it the biggest mass crowdfunding campaign in UK history. One business alone rose over £80,000 for their electronic folding scooter. The Crowdfunder element means many entrants will walk away with a cash injection and a bigger profile for their business, even if they don't make it all of the way.
Pitchathon' Judges
The pitchathon' event will have three marathon' judges who will be present for the entire 29 hours Julie Deane OBE, Founder and CEO of The Cambridge Satchel Company, Andy Fishburn, Head of Investment at Virgin Startup and Peter Kelly, Managing Director of Virgin Media Business. They will be joined by several guest judges including Jamal Edwards SBTV, Sharmadean Reid WAH Nails, and Peter Williams Jack Wills, as well as 12 professionals selected by LinkedIn.
Judges will be challenged to whittle these down to just 40 semi-finalists who could go on to pitch to Richard Branson and international business heavyweights Tyra Banks, Sara Blakely and Marcus Butler, in the VOOM 2016 grand finale on 28th June.
Sam Prosser, Guinness World Records' Head of Commercial said: This is an extremely ambitious and exciting title attempt and is the perfect format to convey the determination and drive shown by UK entrepreneurs. We wish Virgin Media Business and the pitchers the best of luck.
VOOM 2016'
The competition run by the ultrafast business broadband company hunts for the UK and Ireland's most exciting and innovative businesses. A winner will be chosen from each of the two categories.
Ends.
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An attempt to set a new Guinness World Records title for the Longest business pitch marathon will take place in London on June 1 2 as part of Virgin Media Business' VOOM 2016 - the UK and Ireland's biggest and most valuable pitch competition.
