Tech Start-Up companies pitch at BBQ Fest

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - It's a big week for BBQ lovers and cooks from across the world as they join together at Tom Lee Park to compete in the Memphis In May International Barbeque Contest.  But one team isn't competing for BBQ, but instead business.

It's called Start Q and it's organized by Start Co., a local tech start-up incubator in downtown Memphis. This week representatives from Softlayer, LaunchTN, Global Accelerator Network, PayPal, Braintree and Amazon Web Services are in town to meet with start-up teams and discuss pitches with entrepreneurs.

Thursday teams met with representatives one-on-one at the Start Co. Lab during office hours. Then they walked down to Tom Lee Park for some BBQ and a "Speed Pitch" contest sponsored by Tech Cocktail.  Selected start-ups had 60 seconds to pitch their business to partners and sponsors.

The winner of the speed pitch contest will be announced Friday. The crowd favorite and judges winner will advance to the Tech Cocktail's National Startup Competition in Las Vegas. In addition, the winner will earn a slot in Start Co.'s annual trip to San Francisco.

If you'd like to attend any other events or learn more about what's happening at BBQ Fest visit

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