Spring is in the air and I think it’s safe to say we’re all excited for the change of season. Among other fresh and bright things that come with spring, this month we’re proud to sponsor an exciting contest, hosted by our friends over at emaze. It’s called PITCHUP15 and it’s open right now for your bright ideas and the chance to win $10,000, plus a trip to DEMO!
I had the opportunity to interview Daniel Glickman, CMO of emaze, to learn more about their fast-growing company and how the idea for PITCHUP15 came about.
What is emaze? How is it different from Powerpoint, Prezi or Haiku?
Emaze is a next-generation, presentation-making software specializing in professional design and state-of-the-art features, but intended for the Average Joe. Emaze’s ability to exceed its competition stems from its different approach to presentation making. Rather than the dated, stifled and largely uncreative PowerPoint presentations we are used to, emaze offers over 80 custom designed templates, made by design professionals and product experts and focusing on a host of themes – from an “Investor Pitch” template to a “Mobile Apps” template – to fit different business, lifestyle, and leisure needs.
While competitors like Prezi have made it their mission to present users with a new way of presentation making (a single-strip format to replace the slide format), emaze stays true to the slide format believing that “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”. Presentations have always, and will always, be associated with the slide form, which has proven very effective. The big difference being the vibrant design and compelling layout of these slides.
What is your position at emaze and how did you get there?
I am the CMO here at emaze. I’ve been in marketing for over 12 years now. I’ve headed creative departments and lead the launch of many campaigns, overseeing marketing strategies and managing branding processes.
What types of companies are using emaze? Does it cater to both B2B and B2C?
While emaze is a predominantly B2B startup, we do cater to businesses of all sizes. However, we take great care to nurture our B2C community, which is a dynamic and lively one. Our B2C community has become our best source of organic PR. They are wonderful (unofficial) ambassadors to our brand and they spread the word to businesses of all kinds, just because they are happy with our product.
Where did the idea for PITCHUP15 originate? Is it the first year of the competition?
PITCHUP was the brainchild of an itch to show young entrepreneurs the power of a good presentation. I was hearing from so many in the startup community about the trials and tribulations of putting together that ever-important pitch deck and I thought “this is a huge gaping hole!” There’s a dire need, it seems, for a structured pitch making guideline. Other than endless “how to” manuals, there was no substantial material for these entrepreneurs to use. We created the “Investor Pitch” template and, with the need I detected, went about creating the PITCHUP contest. This is PITCHUP’s first year, but with the success it’s garnering I’m sure it won’t be the last.
Who are the panelists that will selecting the winners?
The panelists are famed members of the startup community. They are well known figures both in Israel and globally.
Any words of wisdom to the competitors of PITCHUP?
PITCHUP ’15 is a competition for entrepreneurs, startups and businesses of all sizes. It is an amazing opportunity to test your idea out before your peers and a panel of esteemed judges. It is, of course, also a great way to get funded.
As for words of wisdom – don’t be shy! If you think you have something to share with us, just go ahead and pitch it. You never know where that leap can take you.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the PITCHUP15 site to enter your idea, or to browse the submissions and vote for your favorite pitch!
Calling all Entrepreneurs: Pitchup15 Wants Your Ideas!
April 6, 2015
Annette Dvorak
I had the opportunity to interview Daniel Glickman, CMO of emaze, to learn more about their fast-growing company and how the idea for PITCHUP15 came about.
What is emaze? How is it different from Powerpoint, Prezi or Haiku?
Emaze is a next-generation, presentation-making software specializing in professional design and state-of-the-art features, but intended for the Average Joe. Emaze’s ability to exceed its competition stems from its different approach to presentation making. Rather than the dated, stifled and largely uncreative PowerPoint presentations we are used to, emaze offers over 80 custom designed templates, made by design professionals and product experts and focusing on a host of themes – from an “Investor Pitch” template to a “Mobile Apps” template – to fit different business, lifestyle, and leisure needs.
While competitors like Prezi have made it their mission to present users with a new way of presentation making (a single-strip format to replace the slide format), emaze stays true to the slide format believing that “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”. Presentations have always, and will always, be associated with the slide form, which has proven very effective. The big difference being the vibrant design and compelling layout of these slides.
What is your position at emaze and how did you get there?
I am the CMO here at emaze. I’ve been in marketing for over 12 years now. I’ve headed creative departments and lead the launch of many campaigns, overseeing marketing strategies and managing branding processes.
What types of companies are using emaze? Does it cater to both B2B and B2C?
While emaze is a predominantly B2B startup, we do cater to businesses of all sizes. However, we take great care to nurture our B2C community, which is a dynamic and lively one. Our B2C community has become our best source of organic PR. They are wonderful (unofficial) ambassadors to our brand and they spread the word to businesses of all kinds, just because they are happy with our product.
Where did the idea for PITCHUP15 originate? Is it the first year of the competition?
PITCHUP was the brainchild of an itch to show young entrepreneurs the power of a good presentation. I was hearing from so many in the startup community about the trials and tribulations of putting together that ever-important pitch deck and I thought “this is a huge gaping hole!” There’s a dire need, it seems, for a structured pitch making guideline. Other than endless “how to” manuals, there was no substantial material for these entrepreneurs to use. We created the “Investor Pitch” template and, with the need I detected, went about creating the PITCHUP contest. This is PITCHUP’s first year, but with the success it’s garnering I’m sure it won’t be the last.
Who are the panelists that will selecting the winners?
The panelists are famed members of the startup community. They are well known figures both in Israel and globally.
Any words of wisdom to the competitors of PITCHUP?
PITCHUP ’15 is a competition for entrepreneurs, startups and businesses of all sizes. It is an amazing opportunity to test your idea out before your peers and a panel of esteemed judges. It is, of course, also a great way to get funded.
As for words of wisdom – don’t be shy! If you think you have something to share with us, just go ahead and pitch it. You never know where that leap can take you.
If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the PITCHUP15 site to enter your idea, or to browse the submissions and vote for your favorite pitch!