Chapter 464: Two Hundred Dreams!!

Star Harbor Convention Center.

The fifth morning of Sterling Launchpad began with another packed auditorium.

The participants had grown familiar with the place over the past four days. The excitement of meeting strangers had turned into comfortable friendships, and the temporary groups that initially seemed like an inconvenience had become one of the most appreciated parts of the program.

The host stepped onto the stage, smiling at the hundreds of faces before him.

"Good morning, everyone!"

"Good morning!" the audience replied.

"I hope you all enjoyed the past four days. Before we begin, I would like to sincerely thank every one of you for your participation and cooperation."

He looked across the hall.

"When we started Sterling Launchpad, we brought together people from different cities, ages, educational backgrounds and industries. Some of you were experienced entrepreneurs, while others had never attended a business workshop before."

The large screen behind him displayed photographs from the previous activities.

"And then we separated you from your original teams."

Laughter spread through the auditorium.

"I remember how confused some of you were. But look at yourselves now. You spent four days working with strangers, learning business theories, solving simulated business problems and participating in practical activities."

He smiled.

"After reviewing your daily feedback and the reports from our mentors, I believe we can say something with confidence. We’ve built a family here."

The audience applauded.

"Your willingness to learn from one another has been commendable. And I hope these friendships continue long after Sterling Launchpad ends."

He waited for the applause to settle.

"Now, today is our last morning assembly in this auditorium. Let me explain the schedule for our remaining two days."

The screen changed.

STERLING LAUNCHPAD: FINAL TWO DAYS

"Today’s activities will continue according to your schedules. After lunch, we will gather again for our afternoon assembly, where your temporary groups will conclude their assignments and you will reunite with your original teammates."

Several participants cheered.

The host laughed.

"I can see you’re happy to get your friends back. But remember, everything you learned from your temporary groups should help you prepare for what comes next."

He paused.

"Because tomorrow, the pitching contest begins."

The cheering grew louder.

"All major halls inside the Star Harbor Convention Center will be occupied. We have invited some of Haven’s finest business minds to serve as judges. Retired industrialists, successful entrepreneurs, current business leaders and people who have established remarkable examples in their respective industries."

The screen displayed the competition structure.

200 ENTRIES | 10 PANELS | 30 JUDGES

"Tomorrow, on Day Six, we will attempt something never before organized at this scale in Haven."

The host smiled proudly.

"Two hundred entries, consisting of startup teams and solo founders, will present their ideas in a single day."

The auditorium erupted into applause.

"We have arranged ten judging panels, each consisting of three judges. Every entry will receive twenty minutes."

He raised his hand.

"Five minutes to pitch your idea, followed by fifteen minutes of discussion and questions."

A few participants immediately began whispering.

"Yes, just five minutes for your pitch. I know some of you have spent years developing your ideas. But an entrepreneur must be able to explain a business clearly and convincingly, even when time is limited."

He continued, "The judges will discuss your business model, market, financial requirements, technical feasibility and future plans. So please prepare accordingly."

The screen showed the timetable.

9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

"Your individual timings and assigned venues will be released through the Sterling Launchpad application during lunch today."

He paused.

"And the results will be announced tomorrow night at nine."

The audience grew attentive.

"Panels will discuss their best pitches. And only ten entries out of two hundred will qualify for the grand finals."

The screen changed again.

DAY SEVEN: GRAND FINALS

"On the seventh day, Chairman Miles Sterling will personally join the judging panel to help select our top three."

The auditorium became noticeably louder.

For many participants, meeting the mysterious Chairman was almost as exciting as the competition itself.

The host waited before continuing.

"Now, what will our finalists receive?"

The screen displayed three positions.

"Our top three will receive prize money and funding support for their ideas. And there is something important you should know."

He smiled.

"Sterling Foundation will not ask for any equity in exchange for that prize funding."

The applause was immediate.

"Yes, the money awarded to our top three will be provided without taking ownership of their businesses."

Several founders looked genuinely surprised.

"The remaining seven finalists will also have opportunities to secure funding. However, those will be investment offers involving equity."

He continued, "The funding amount and equity percentage will be discussed individually, depending on the business, its requirements and its growth potential. And naturally, every founder will have the freedom to accept or decline."

The audience applauded again.

"But don’t think we’re supporting only ten ideas."

The host’s tone became more sincere.

"Some promising businesses aren’t ready for investment yet. Some need better prototypes, technical assistance, workspace or experienced guidance."

The screen displayed the Sterling Foundation incubation program.

"For those ideas, Sterling Foundation will offer opportunities at our incubation centers across the country. Selected participants will receive access to mentors, technical resources, workspace and assistance developing their business plans."

He looked across the hall.

"Even if you don’t reach the finals, your idea may still be selected for incubation. And our top three can seek additional investment or incubation assistance too."

The host smiled.

"So please, don’t think of tomorrow as simply winning or losing."

"Show us what you’ve built. Tell us what you want to build. And help our judges understand why your idea deserves a chance."

He looked toward the participants in the front rows.

"You’ve spent four days learning from people you didn’t know when you arrived. Today, take those experiences back to your original teams. Challenge your assumptions. Find the weaknesses in your plans. Ask difficult questions before our judges do."

He paused.

"And prepare well."

The applause returned.

"One final announcement. After this afternoon’s assembly, you will be free for the remainder of the day to prepare for the competition."

He smiled.

"Although I sincerely recommend getting some rest too."

A few participants laughed.

"Good luck, everyone. We’re looking forward to your pitches!"

The audience applauded as the host left the stage.

Conversations immediately began.

Some participants were already calculating how to fit their presentations into five minutes. Others opened their business plans, discussing the questions they might face from the judges.

For Anna and her friends, tomorrow would be their first opportunity to present their gaming project before experienced business leaders.

For Flake and many other independent founders, it might be the opportunity they had been waiting for.

Two hundred entries.

Ten finalists.

Three winners.

But beyond those numbers, Sterling Launchpad had promised something more valuable.

A chance to be heard.

...

Soul Tower, Star Harbor.

Reaper Group.

Miles sat in his office, reviewing the latest reports from Sterling Launchpad.

Monica stood beside the desk with her tablet.

"It begins tomorrow," Miles said, looking at the competition schedule.

"Finally." Monica smiled. "Sterling Media Channel’s viewership is going to break records."

Miles looked up.

"That confident?"

"Of course. Look at the engagement we’ve received over the past four days. People are sharing everything, from the workshops to the participants’ stories."

She opened another report.

"And our artists have helped shoot several promotional videos. We’re releasing them right now."

Miles looked at the previews.

"Celebrity endorsements are crazy."

Monica chuckled.

"That’s why we have Reaper Entertainment, Boss. Although the participants themselves are doing most of the work. People are genuinely interested in their ideas."

"That’s good. I wanted the attention on them, not just the prizes."

"And that’s exactly what’s happening."

Before Monica could continue, someone knocked on the door.

Both looked up.

Chloe opened the door slightly.

"Hi!"

Miles smiled.

"Chloe? Do you really need to knock?"

"Of course." She entered with a serious expression. "Professional ethics."

Monica smiled.

Chloe continued, "How can I enter the office of the Chairman of Sterling Enterprises, who also happens to be Reaper Group’s mysterious Chairman, without knocking?"

Miles stared at her.

"What kind of description is that?"

Chloe laughed.

"An accurate one."

Monica laughed.

Chloe approached the desk.

"Anyway, you came all the way here and didn’t even come to see me."

Miles raised an eyebrow.

"Didn’t I come from home with both of you this morning?"

Chloe paused.

Then laughed again.

"I’m kidding!"

She rested a hand on his desk.

"Actually, Great Aunt Nora has arrived at Launchpad."

Miles immediately looked interested.

"Already?"

"Yes. I’m going there to meet her. Are you coming?"

"I’ll meet her at lunch."

"At the Convention Center?"

"The Atelier."

Chloe nodded.

"Alright."

Then she noticed the documents on his desk and the slight change in his expression.

"Something wrong?"

Miles sighed.

"It’s related to my great grandfather."

Chloe became curious.

"Your great grandfather?"

"Apparently, he made quite a blunder in his youth. And Grandpa Timothy ended up having to clean up the mess."

Chloe frowned.

"Does it involve Great Aunt Nora?"

Miles nodded.

"Yes."

He looked toward the documents again.

"And her mother."

Chloe remained quiet for a moment.

"That sounds complicated."

"It is."

"I hope everything gets resolved."

Miles gave her a small smile.

"Me too."

She didn’t ask further. If Miles wanted to discuss it, he would tell her when he was ready.

"Anyway, need a lift?" he asked.

Chloe shook her head.

"No, I’m taking Lissy and Kate."

Miles looked amused.

"They’re interested in Launchpad?"

"More like they’re interested in the panelists. Quite a few of them are arriving today, and those two want to meet them."

Miles chuckled.

"Don’t betray your investor husband."

Chloe laughed.

"What are you talking about? We’re not even looking for investments right now."

"Tulip has sufficient funds, thanks to you."

Miles smiled.

"Good."

Chloe suddenly looked mischievous.

"And we have a surprise for you after Launchpad."

Miles immediately straightened.

"A surprise?"

"Yes."

He thought for a moment.

Then his eyes brightened.

"The game?"

Chloe smiled without answering.

Miles leaned forward.

"You’ve developed it further?"

"Maybe."

"What did you add?"

Chloe shook her head.

"You’ll see."

Miles stared at her.

"Chloe."

"Yes, Mr. Sterling?"

"Just tell me one thing."

"No."

Monica started laughing.

Miles sighed.

"At least give me a hint."

"Absolutely not."

Chloe walked toward the door, looking quite pleased with herself.

"See you later!"

"Hey!"

She turned.

Miles pointed toward her.

"You can’t just say something like that and leave."

Chloe laughed.

"Watch me."

And she disappeared through the doorway.

Miles stared at the empty entrance.

"Unbelievable."

Monica chuckled.

"You really never change when it comes to games, Boss."

Miles leaned back.

"Blame Nick for introducing me to them."

"Of course."

Monica looked at her tablet again.

Then remembered something.

"Where are our VIP siblings?"

"Nick and Evelyn?"

"Yes."

Miles checked the time.

"They’re getting ready for the island."

Monica smiled.

"Right. Shouldn’t you be going too?"

Miles glanced toward the unfinished documents on his desk.

"You promised them a trip, Boss. Don’t make them wait."

Miles looked toward her.

"You’re dismissing me from my own office?"

Monica laughed.

"Someone has to."

Miles shook his head, smiling.

"Yes."