From idea spotting to the business plan and marketing strategy to the pitch, students in Beaver’s entrepreneurship elective have spent the term learning the different facets of being an entrepreneur and hearing from guest speakers from the entrepreneur and venture capitalist worlds.
In the midst of it all, each student developed his/her own idea for a new and innovative company – one that will make a positive impact on an industry or on society and also be driven by profit. The following four ideas were voted the best in class. Led by a student CEO, these ideas will be pitched to a panel of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs at the end of the term.
CEO: Ivan Carroll ’16
Company: Teen Task
Teen Task is a simple and quick way for people/employers to be matched up with ambitious kids in their area that are looking for work. The service will bridge the gap between kids and the workforce, and provide a platform for adults to easily hire. Teen Task will allow kids to choose their own hours and quickly provide people access to an employee. During our time in entrepreneurship we will be working on the service’s MVP (minimum viable product) which will connect students with adults via email and the phone. The ultimate goal for the public launch of Teen Task is an app with global capability.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO? I am a passionate and creative individual motivated to convert Teen Task from an idea into a tangible service. I am able to work well and collaborate with others to ensure that everyone’s ideas are heard and employed into our service to help create the best product possible.
What challenges do you think you will face? Our initial hurdle will be creating a network large enough to provide students with ability to work when they want and adults the ability to hire as they desire.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope that I am abroad working on my own startup.
What three words do you want people to think of when they hear your company name? Freedom, money, convenience.
CEO: Weliton Filho ’16
Company: Wel’s Trays
My company is Wel’s Trays. We design and license convenient tray designs for sports stadiums across the nation. Our main design is a simple cup attachment with a customizable logo that has compartments on both sides so sports fans can store their burger, hot dog, fries, etc. The goal of our company is to solve the problem of carrying your food from the concession stand to your seat and overall consumer and vendor efficiency.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO? My strengths as CEO are to be open minded and to listen to my peers. I am creative and hard working but I believe it is my job to put some of the weight on my team to call some shots and lead different parts of the company.
What challenges do you think you will face? As CEO, I have chosen a great team who is dedicated and willing to take this company to the next level with me. I believe our biggest struggle will be creating a perfect design that solves all our problems and not only fits to the benefit of the consumer but also benefits the manufacturer and the concession stand.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I see Wel’s Tray in every stadium across the nation. Helping consumers enjoy their time at different events by being in control of their belongings, and easily holding all their food in one hand.
What three words do you want people to think of when they hear your company name? Effective, logical, innovative.
CEO: Sam Nelson ’16
Company: Experiet
Experiet is a website that provides prospective college students a first-person experience researching colleges and universities in the U.S. The site has individual pages for each school, and each school’s page is comprised of two general categories of video: campus tour videos shot from the first-person point of view and videos of student life which includes sports games, Greek life, unique traditions, and more. I believe that first-person point of view is essential for fully capturing a school’s experience without actually being there. We recruit current college students to shoot the videos at their school.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO? My strengths are my creativity, my passion to innovate, and my collaboration skills.
What challenges do you think you will face? My biggest challenge will be acquiring start up funds.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years, I will be a global icon for my contributions to society.
What three words do you want people to think of when they hear your company name? Colleges, applications, videos.
CEO: Laurel Sullivan ’16
Company: Tiny Tote
Tiny Tote is a baby clothing company that creates personalized tote bags with size appropriate baby clothes to grow with your child. Tiny tote is for busy parents with newborn babies. Our goal is to conveniently deliver high quality clothing to fit your growing baby and give the option to buy the clothes or rent them, returning them to be used by another family.
What strengths do you bring to the table as CEO? Inspired by my nephew and my campers, I have an emotional connection to both the concept and the users of Tiny Tote. I care deeply about living economically and in an environmentally friendly manner, and my passion for both of these factors help strengthen the business. Secondly, as the youngest of four siblings I have learned the art of negotiation while valuing everyone’s opinion. I think this will be helpful both within my team and with possible business partners.
What challenges do you think you will face? I think one challenge will be determining where we source the clothing from and negotiating a business deal with the respective companies. Additionally, creating an effective way to insure the clothes and account for possible damage will be another challenge we have to solve. I am confident that my team and I can solve these challenges, and whatever other challenges come our way.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to be exploring a passion of mine and positively impacting the world. I am unsure of what that will look like, but am excited for what the future may hold.
What three words do you want people to think of when they hear your company name? Affordable, adorable, baby clothing.