Fast pitch

Asking for money is getting easier.

While securities rules still exclude ordinary investors from participating in startup venture funding, the popularity of shows such as Shark Tank has spawned public events where companies can pitch their ideas.

An initiative launched by Tamiami Angel Funds in Naples, VenturePitch SWFL brings together early stage companies in quarterly pitch events from Sarasota to Naples. Although the funds' own events are limited to high-net-worth individuals, anyone can attend the VenturePitch events.