ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (January 28, 2015) - Taos Ski Valley is one of our state's top attractions and ABQid is leveraging this New Mexico gem to draw some big name investors to New Mexico. Even better, local startup founders will have the opportunity to pitch these investors and win up to $10,000. All of this will take place on February 25, 2015 as part the ABQid Ski Lift Pitch Contest.

The contest involves pairing startup founders with venture capitalists (VCs) and industry leaders on Taos Ski Valley chair lifts and allowing the founders to make their pitches as the elevation rises. Each founder will have three opportunities to pitch, and the VCs will vote on their favorites. Three finalists will then pitch to a full crowd, including the VC judges, over lunch at 1pm. The $10,000 grand prize winner will be selected among the three finalists and announced at a 4pm Aprés Ski event.

The idea for the contest came from ABQid Board Member Katie Szczepaniak Rice who first recognized the potential that Taos Ski Valley had to attract major investors to New Mexico. "We hope to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet high caliber investors and industry leaders in an environment conducive to making a lasting connection. I think most skiers and snowboarders will agree that the chair lift is a great setting for a conversation. The entrepreneur will have the uninterrupted attention of the investor and the perfect amount of time to give the pitch. Spending the day together at Taos discussing big ideas on the lift is likely to lead to some valuable relationships for everyone involved," says Rice.

ABQid (www.abqid.com) is an organization that supports local entrepreneurs who are building great businesses and is a key element in Albuquerque's efforts to grow a culture of innovation, so organizing the contest aligned well with their mission. "Skiing at Taos is a memorable experience, and we believe the entrepreneurs will make valuable connections with investors at the contest," explained ABQid Director of Marketing, Kathleen Gardenswartz.

Current ABQid Ski Lift Pitch Contest sponsors include New Mexico True, Taos Ski Valley, NewsCastic, and Taos Mountain Energy Bar. Others interested in sponsoring the event should contact ABQid at trisha@abqid.com.

Startup founders interested in applying should visit www.skiliftpitch.com . All applicants should have some experience with either skiing or snowboarding.