Charlotte, NC -- (SBWire) -- 12/21/2015 --Startup Grind Charlotte, part of the Google for Entrepreneurs-backed global startup community, award-winning venture capital firm SierraMaya360 and Charlotte area tech and marketing company, Red Ventures, awarded up to $250,000 in funding and on-going advisory services to Fletch during a meet-up and pitch contest event at the tech company's headquarters on Dec. 16th.

The Fletch App is a college retention solution that empowers undergraduates to invite any classmate to a study group with just three taps on their phone or get quick answers around the clock.

"With colleges losing an average of $45,000 per dropout, Fletch can help solve that costly problem by providing students the guidance they need," said Amish Shah, Managing Partner of SierraMaya360. "The turnout from the Charlotte entrepreneurial and tech communities surpassed our expectations. There's a palpable buzz in the community right now focused on supporting great ideas."

Six companies were selected from more than 100 entries from across the United States and Canada to compete for funding. Each company pitched for three minutes and answered seven minutes of Q&A from the panel before a live audience of more than 250 attendees.

"We were extremely excited to participate in the Startup Grind Pitch Competition," said Marquett Burton, Fletch Founder. "To be able to partner with a firm like SierraMaya360 that has so many resources will help take our company to the next level and gain us national exposure."

SierraMaya360 will also help the other five participating companies by providing feedback and introductions to the right people in their industries. Those companies include Coeo, Solo, Girls Pursuing Science, GeekIN Radio and Charlotte UAV.

"I don't think we could have hoped for a better outcome," said AJ Ratani, President RV Tech. "From the great turnout to the caliber of the companies participating, it was proof positive that the startup community in Charlotte is thriving and we're excited to be part of it."

Pitch contest judges included:

- AJ Ratani, President, RV Tech
- Jeff Brokaw, Director, Startup Grind Charlotte
- Amish Shah, Founding Partner, SierraMaya360
- John Sutton, President, RV Disrupt
- Louis Foreman, Founder, Edison Nation

Startup Grind is host to monthly events in more than 150 cities and 65 countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Charlotte's local chapter is hosted by veteran entrepreneur, digital marketer and Associate of SierraMaya360, Jeff Brokaw.

For more information about future events, visit www.meetup.com/Startup-Grind-Charlotte/

About SierraMaya360
SierraMaya360 is a nationally recognized and ranked venture capital firm bridging the gap between Hollywood and technology. With offices in Charlotte, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, the firm focuses on early-stage companies, investing in cutting-edge technology including mobile, e-commerce, media, entertainment, gaming, healthcare IT, software and consumer goods startups. They deploy a 360 Approach to startup investment, surrounding companies with the resources and connections needed to grow and succeed.

Learn more at SierraMaya360.vc

About Red Ventures
Founded in 2000, Red Ventures employs more than 2,800 people and is the country's largest technology-enabled platform for growing sales by optimizing multi-platform customer experiences. Red Ventures' expertise spans across multiple industries including Home Services, Energy, Financial Services, Insurance and Software. Success is driven by advanced internet analytics, proprietary technology and the company's greatest competitive advantage – the people. Red Ventures has been named a Best Place to Work in Charlotte, NC eight years running.

Learn more at www.redventures.com

Contact:
Jeff Brokaw, Director
Startup Grind Charlotte
jeff@startupgrind.com
704-609-6720
Katie Zach, Director of Public Relations
Red Ventures
kzach@redventures.com
980-318-5549