Pitch Semi-finalists Selected
8 December 2017 Pitch Semi-finalists Selected
The annual Stu Lieblein 90 Pitch Contest has once again attracted top entrepreneurial talent on campus, as nine individuals and one group of three students have moved on to the semi-finals. Chosen by a selection committee for their innovative ideas, this years proposals range from creative companies to non-profits and social enterprises. In the coming months, the semi-finalists will refine their ideas through workshops led by the Centennial Center, before pitching them to expert panelists in order to win $10,000 to launch their startup.
Weve seen an impressive range of ideas from this years semi-finalists that include clothing companies, platforms to address social issues, and new ways to use social media, says Margiloff Family Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow Ed Bizari. The selection committee chose these students because of the potential viability and impact their ideas could have in the marketplace.
Since The Pitch was founded in 2012, contestants have gone on to found downtown Geneva businesses, launch companies in Ghana and build energy-efficient greenhouses in New York State. Contestants also have the opportunity to workshop and strengthen their proposals with alums that have extensive entrepreneurial experience. Last years judges included: Sabrina Horn 83, managing partner and technology practice leader at Finn Partners;Peter A. Luchetti 77,managing partner of Table Rock Capital and vice chair of the California Infrastructure Bank;Steven A. Neimeth 90, former senior vice president and portfolio manager of SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC; andAngelo Santinelli P18, senior executive at Dakin Management and adjunct lecturer at Babson College.
The Pitch offers astructured program that presentsaccess to resources likeseminars and amentorthat will further the developmentof (my proposal) Revolve, says Andrew Silard 19, of his concept to increase fundraiser engagement by building a platform with photo, video and status updates. I hope through the Pitch to develop my idea into a more organized strategy and to make it more attractive for seed funding.
The semi-finalists will pitch to selection committee who will determine the finalists.
The full list of semi-finalists and their proposals include:
Jane Blumin 19 Blu Designers, a fashion company that creates handmade jewelry at a reasonable price
Tristan Cotter 21 LIVEFREE, a branded line of clothing and accessories that encourages people to express their individuality
Harrison Demaira 19 Demaira Social Media Advertising, a platform that allows social media content creators to connect with brand owners running advertising campaigns
Matthew Benton 18, Charles Moore-Gillon 18, Massimigliano Jones 18 Duck Down Outfitters, a sporting apparel company that creates functional and fashionable clothing for the refined outdoor enthusiast
Maura Moran 18 Frontier Financial, a financial budgeting tool for young professionals determined to lay a foundation for a financially independent future
Andrew Silard 18 Revolve, a social media platform committed to ending child poverty through crowd-funding
Shivam Tewari 18 SIX, a proximity-based social media tool that would leverage existing social media platforms to build personal networks through in-person connections
Alexander Cohen 20 $wagonomics, a service for colleges and universities to increase alumni and alumnae donations and contributions
Benjamin Greiner 18 TalkAboutDepression.org, a charitable non-profit organization that promotes awareness and skills around how to communicate with individuals with depression
Nhung Nguyen 19 Yellow aPeril, a social enterprise that challenges xenophobia in Western society through provocatively messaged clothing
The 2018 Stu Lieblein 90 Pitch Contest will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 in the Vandervort Room of the Scandling Campus Center.