SnagaStool Will Battle for Funding During A&E Competition

Image via SnagAStool

Jamie Manning, founder of SnagaStool, an app that lets people reserve seats at their favorite bar before the rush of crowds come in and takeover the scene, has been busy since his company officially launched in January.

And if they snag top honors at a competition sponsored by the A&E television network next week, it could get busier. “[There have been] tons of ups and downs, and being invited to pitch for A&E is a huge up—and great outside validation,” Manning said.

SnagaStool is just one of three locally-based companies that was picked to be part of the television channel’s special event, called “Project Startup Live.” According to the network, the “unique entrepreneur forum” will bring together “some of the best and brightest minds in Boston,” and make them battle it out by pitching their product to a panel of judges in front of a live audience, and some cameras.

The competition is already heating up—SnagaStool is reportedly facing off against Healthcare Innovation and Zoos, which makes a special brand of Greek iced teas—but Manning isn’t too worried about his chances of taking home the grand prize: up to $5,000 cash, and $10,000 in resources and mentoring from Comcast Business and RocketHub, who are cosponsoring the event.

“The SnagaStool team’s ecstatic to be chosen to pitch for A&E’s Project Startup Live,” said Manning. “We are humbled by the support of Boston’s start up scene and gracious for the opportunity.”

In addition to having to stand before the judges for three minutes and talk about his business model, the event at District Hall, on June 10, will be filmed. It will later be broadcast On Demand this summer.

Boston is the third stop on A&E’s Project Startup Live tour. Earlier this week the series filmed in Detroit, and in May they kicked off the event in Wasatch Front, Utah. The event at District Hall is open to the public. More information about the competition and forum can be found here.