Droneversity wins $10,000 Swim with Sharks grand prize

Droneversity founder Ashlee Cooper holds a copy of her prize check with, from left, Chamber President Yvonne Deadwyler and son; Color + Blow founder Diana Taylor; Coffee Rendezbrew founder Wanda Guyton; United Way VP Terra Fair; Goldey-Beacom College’s Dr. Deanna Merritt; La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant family owner Jose Lopez; WSFS Bank VP Margi Crough; Sindri Materials CEO Dr. Christopher DiMarco; Kai Coders founder Deanna Bledsoe; DETV founder Ivan Thomas. Photo by Creative Image Photography.

Ashlee Cooper was standing a chair taking photos of balloon decorations when a passerby told her she needed a drone.

Now her company, Droneversity , has won $10,000 in the 12th Annual Swim with the Sharks Pitch Competition , held Wednesday at Penn Cinema on the Riverfront.

The Emerging Enterprise Center’s competition showcases innovative entrepreneurs and celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship in Delaware.

Droneversity specializes in drone education and services, including a new line of stunning drone light shows.

Her company was one of five finalists selected from more than 30 participants by a panel including Sarah Mailloux of the Delaware Small Business Development Center, C.J. Bell of New Castle County Government, Deanna Merritt of Goldey-Beacom College, and Noah Olson of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.

Droneversity competitors

Runner-up was Wanda Guyton, owner of Coffee Rendezbrew , who took home a $2,500 Runner-up Prize. The audience gave it’s People’s Choice Award of $1,000 to Christopher DiMarco, founder and CEO of Sindri Materials.

Finalists also included Kai Coders and Color + Blow .

Ivan Thomas, founder and president of DETV and master of ceremonies for the event, announced that all finalists would receive a 30-second promotional spot on the network, further amplifying their business exposure.

Judges on Wednesday were:

• Margie Crouch, WSFS Bank vice president and small business relationship manager
• Jose Lopez, owner of La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant
• Tierra Fair, United Way of Delaware vice president of engagement & partnerships

Swim with the Sharks not only provides critical funding to promising startups but also showcases the innovative drive fueling economic growth in Delaware.

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Before Droneversity’s win, attendees enjoyed a networking happy hour featuring Wilmington Brew Works and a keynote address from former winner Mac Macleod, along with a special guest appearance from County Executive Matt Myer.

Since its start, Swim with the Sharks has highlighted more than 100 entrepreneurs and awarded more than $110,000 in cash and prizes. The competition has played a vital role in the success stories of numerous startups, including Carvertise and Amira Idris of TheraV.

The Emerging Enterprise Center is committed to supporting early-stage entrepreneurs alongside programming partners including the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, New Castle County Office of Economic Development, Delaware Small Business Development Center, and SCORE Delaware.