Merrill Mason Judges the 2013 Start-Up Alley Competition

Raleigh, N.C.– On August 27^th, Merrill Mason, the head of Smith Anderson’s Start-Ups practice, joined a panel of judges as part of “Start-Up Alley,” a contest co-hosted by HQ Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. The event took place during the Chamber’s 2013 Business Showcase where more than 100 Chamber members converged to network with other local professionals and discover products and services to meet their business needs.

“Start-Up Alley” was designed in the likeness of the popular television series Shark Tank and featured 10 Research Triangle-area entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses to a panel of judges. Nearly 100 people attended the event to watch as ideas were presented, followed by constructive feedback shared by the judges, which included successful entrepreneurs, investors and experienced start up partners.

At the conclusion of the presentation phase of the competition, judges selected what they thought was the best new idea. The SEAL, a swim monitor and drowning detection system, won a space at HQ Raleigh for six months, as well as a one-year Chamber membership. For more information on the SEAL’s innovative technology, visit www.swimsealsafe.com.