Judges, Coaches, Mentors Announced for ‘Startup Weekend Maui’

By Maui Now Staff

The judges, coaches and mentors who will be participating in the second “Startup Weekend Maui,” have been announced by the Maui Economic Development Board. This event will provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to learn how to launch a company in 54 hours.

“Startup Weekend Maui” will be held May 15 to 17 at two locations in the Maui Research & Technology Park in Kihei.

Entrepreneurs who register before the April 15 will receive a 25% discount off of the registration fee. Students with a valid ID will receive a 50% discount.

For more information and to register, go online or call Gerry Smith at MEDB at (808) 270-6803.

Judges

Don Kosak. Courtesy photo.

Don M. Kosak
Kosak is the founder/managing partner of Nalukai Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the State of Hawaiʻi through education and mentoring. He is also the founder of the Hawaiʻi Tech Exchange, a Hilo-based community organization supporting local science and technology business development. He is also a mentor with Blue Startups, Honolulu’s Venture Accelerator.

Garrett Marrero. Courtesy photo.

Garrett Marrero
Marrero is the founder/CEO of Maui Brewing Co., which has a strong commitment to the local economy and a deep concern for the environment. Maui Brewing Co. recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, now distributing authentic local products to 11 states and 5 countries. The company has over 80 employees at two locations.

Saedene Ota. Courtesy photo.

Saedene Ota
Ota is the owner and creative director of Sae Design, an award-winning graphics firm focusing on branding, packaging, web design and strategic marketing. She is the recipient of many creative awards, including two “Hawai‘i Advertising Federation Pele Best of Show” recognitions and “Advertising Women of the Year.” She has also received national recognition for projects in the hospitality and food industries.

Keith Powers. Courtesy photo.

Keith Powers
Powers is a managing partner at Engaged Partners LLC. He has been active in start-ups, investments and building world-class companies and organizations for almost 20 years. He works closely with inventors, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists and CEOs to help them take their businesses and interests to the next level.

Tarik Sultan. Courtesy photo.

Tarik Sultan
Sultan is a managing partner at Sultan Ventures, a boutique venture firm focusing on early-stage start-ups. He is also the founder and managing partner of XLR8UH, the University of Hawaii’s proof-of-concept commercialization center, chair of Startup Hawaiʻi and treasurer of the HVCA, a nonprofit fostering entrepreneurial development through networking, education and access to venture capital.

Coaches and Mentors

Andrea Barrica
Barrica is an entrepreneur in residence at 500 Startups in San Francisco, California, where she coaches to enable start-up entrepreneurs to tell their stories, create pitch and propagate sales.

Erik Blair 
Blair  is the owner of The Accidental Consultant, a Maui-based consulting firm offering clients fresh content, actionable growth strategies and innovative solutions using digital media and social channels.

Rebecca Filipovic
Filipovic, an attorney at McKeon Sheldon Mehling, specializes in corporate governance, business formation, commercial and real estate litigation and intellectual property.

Peter Liu
Liu manages technical projects involving exciting web and mobile innovations at Mbloom on Maui.

Keri Mehling
Mehling, and attorney and partner at McKeon Sheldon Mehling, specializes in commercial litigation, insurance defense, real estate, construction defects, administrative law, and creating business entities and structures for new and growing ventures.

Sara Smith 
Smith is the founder and CEO of Wrappily, a Maui-based offering chic gift wrap with an eco-friendly twist. She has worked in publishing for over 10 years. She is an entrepreneur, gardener, cook, mom, writer and “hell-bent on doing it all.”

Craig Swift 
Swift, the director of business development at Maui Economic Opportunity, has over 30 years of experience working with small businesses, including ownership, financing, training and community economic development in Maui County.

Kevin Yoshida
Yoshida is the Neighbor Island region manager for Central Pacific Bank, where he leads the community banking teams on Maui, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island.

“We are very fortunate to have such an experienced and accomplished group of judges, coaches and mentors participating in this year’s Startup Weekend Maui,” said Gerry Smith of MEDB. “These individuals have generously volunteered their time to support our aspiring entrepreneurs. Those who participate in ‘Startup Weekend Maui’ will greatly benefit from their insight and advice.”

Startup Weekend Maui is hosted by MEDB. Event sponsors include County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Blue Startups, High Technology Development Corporation, HI-Growth Initiative, Startup Capital Ventures and Pacific Media Group.

LINKS

“Startup Weekend Maui” Offers Business Action for Entrepreneurs