Daymond John recently joined an all-star panel of judges for Alibaba.com’s CoCreate 2025 Pitch Competition, where U.S. entrepreneurs competed for a share of $1 million in funding. Held in Las Vegas on September 4–5, the event drew more than 3,500 attendees and celebrated innovation among small businesses.
As host judge, John introduced each entrepreneur to the stage, where they pitched their ideas before a panel that included Shark Tank’s Lori Greiner, actor and investor Simu Liu, Everette Taylor (CEO of Kickstarter), Stephanie Mehta (CEO of Inc. and Fast Company), and Justin Liu (GM of Alibaba.com North America).
The U.S. grand prize winner, REEKON Tools Inc., impressed the judges with its digital measuring tools and software designed to streamline construction and home improvement projects. Ten other innovative companies—from sustainable lifestyle brands to breakthrough parenting products—were recognized as finalists.
“Events like this shine a spotlight on the creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs everywhere,” John said while highlighting the pitches.
The CoCreate Pitch competition, which began with nearly 25,000 submissions worldwide, will continue with its European edition in London this November.
Read the full article on Fast Company.
