Vance Souders has run ultra-marathons and scaled the sides of mountains. So he knows a thing or two about the great outdoors.
But it was the virtual outdoors that he was pitching Thursday at the Cherry Hill Mall, where he discussed his company Plas.md and its prized product, Bionautica Trails, a digital simulator that transforms a walk or jog on a treadmill into a hike or dash through a national park, complete with majestic views of mountains, rivers and waterfalls and varying trails through forests and valleys.
Helping New Jersey start-up companies like Souders’ grow and succeed is a top priority for Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the biannual Founders & Funders events are a key part of their strategy.
Akin to television’s “Shark Tank” – mixed with speed dating – the events feature multiple 10-minute meetings between New Jersey entrepreneurs and investors from angel and venture capital firms to discuss business strategies and potential funding opportunities.