NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Vator, one of the leading social networks dedicated to high-tech entrepreneurship, announced the top 10 finalists of its Vator Splash NY online competition. 

The online competition included two rounds that spanned over one month. The first round was a popular round, meaning anyone could vote for their favorite startups. Voters were only allowed to cast one vote for one company. Of the nearly 70 startups that entered, 15 of the highest vote-getters became semi-finalists and moved into the second round, where VC judges rated their favorites.

Judges scored each startup on three criteria: novelty/innovation, market potential and team.  The judges included top VCs and angel investors in the NY area. They include David Tisch of TechStars, Owen Davis of NYC Seed, Deborah Jackson of DBJ, Brian Hirsch of Greenhill SAVP, Peter Flint of Polaris, Drew Lipsher of Greycroft, David Pakman of Venrock, Traver Hutchins of Remedy Health, and Adam Ludwin of RRE Ventures.

The combination of judges votes and popular votes resulted in the top 10 finalists.

The grand winner will be chosen tonight by the audience attending Vator's first-ever Splash NY event, which will be held at Webster Hall.

The audience will vote after the 10 finalists present a three-minute pitch, and receive feedback from several venture capital judges.

The following 10 (in alphabetical order) made the semi-finalist round.

AskTheDoctor, a Toronto, Canada-based Q&A site focused on healthcare questions.

AwesomeTouch, a Lexington, Kentucky-based developer of large-format multitouch displays, like those built by Nextwindow. 

Event Now, a NY-based startup that makes finding service providers for events and parties easy.

Hedgeable, a NY-based startup that allows the average person to invest in popular hedge funds

Grovo, a NY-based startup that is an online training program, using video to teach people how to use popular Web sites.

SkillSlate, a NY-based startup that connects people with local service providers.

Sportaneous, a NY-based site that helps people find team sporting events they can participate in.

StyleCaster Media Group, a NY-based media site focused on styles for women.

TigerTrade, a NY-based startup that helps firms manage and grow their businesses in developing countries.

Winito, a NY-based startup that helps people manage their active lifestyles.

For information, contact Lauren Perkins at lauren@perksconsulting.com

About Vator, Inc.: Vator (short for innovator) is one of the leading professional networks dedicated to high-tech entrepreneurship.  Founded and run by veteran and award-winning journalist Bambi Francisco, Vator consists of Vator.tv and VatorNews. Vator.tv has nearly 60,000 members and high-tech companies, using the service to effectively communicate and learn from one another. VatorNews is a news site covering entrepreneurship and innovation, with 350 contributors. Vator Competitions is a leading startup business plan competition platform.

SOURCE Vator, Inc.

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