CIT Investment Directors Participate in Selection Committee for Forefront 2020 Startup Showcase

---

Richmond, Va. – Sept. 21, 2020 – The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) today announced the participation of Investment Directors, Jennifer O’Daniel and Marco Rubin, as selection committee members for Forefront 2020’s Startup Showcase. Forefront, scheduled to take place virtually from Sept. 22-23, will bring together leading capital sources and industry changemakers who are committed to advancing efforts that build inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems.
 
Forefront's review and selection process is an independent process led by MAVA Investor Members. O’Daniel and Rubin took part in selecting the 35 competitive startups to participate in this year’s Startup Showcase on the first day of the event.
 
When: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
Where: For more information about the virtual event, please click here.

What: Forefront 2020 Startup Showcase
Ultimately, 35 competitively selected startups will take the virtual stage to present in front of professional investors and corporate partners. Showcase Companies represent the strength of commercial enterprises being built across D.C. and the greater National Capital Region and beyond. These startups stood out for the following characteristics:
 

• Company – ability to describe what makes them different as well as what problem they are solving
• Customer Validation – ability to accurately say where they are in their lifecycle
• Customer Traction – ability to describe who is paying them for their product or service
• Competition / Market – ability to share with the committee what they know about the market and why they believe their company can scale
• Team – ability to describe why their team is most equipped to tackle this problem and drive this solution

Who: CIT Investment Directors

• Jennifer ODaniel | Investment Director
• Marco Rubin, Senior Investment Director, CIT GAP Funds