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MAVERICK ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM AND AWARD FUND
MAVPITCH
The Maverick Business Pitch Competition encourages students to explore and express their business ideas.
WELCOME TO MAVPITCH
The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund was established to encourage UTA students to explore and express their business ideas in a friendly and encouraging environment. The program was launched in the fall of 2018 and consists of two phases. During Phase I, all UTA students are invited to submit a three-minute video pitch of a new venture idea. These submissions are evaluated and the highest caliber videos are then invited to present a six-minute pitch to a panel of judges who select the ultimate award recipients. The “winners” are then invited to participate in Phase II which involves mentoring, coaching, and access to other resources and the opportunity to participate in a second pitch competition.
About
The Maverick Business Pitch Competition encourages students to explore and express their business ideas. It is open to all UTA undergraduate and graduate students who can compete alone or in teams of up to four. Individuals/teams will submit a three-minute video describing their business idea. A panel of judges will review the video pitches and select those who will be invited to present a live six-minute pitch for a chance to win up to $15,000 in venture development funds and much more in future semesters.
DO YOU... Dream of starting your own company? Have the idea and the know-how? Need funding?
HERE'S YOUR CHANCE Compete for up to $40,000 in venture development funds.
Schedule
Video Submission Deadline - Friday, April 26th, 2024 - Three-minute video presentation
Semifinalists Announced - Monday, April 29th, 2024
Phase I Finale - Thursday, May 9th, 2024 – Live Presentation Round
Phase 2 Finale - Specific Date TBA – Live Presentation Round
*Dates are subject to change.
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RULES, FORMAT AND FAQ
Frankly Good
Frank Ridout, a Dallas-based college student and entrepreneur, was recently chosen as a winner in The University of Texas at Arlington’s MavPitch competition, awarding him a $15,000 grant to grow Frankly Good, a sustainable vegan cookie company.
MavPitch
The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund
The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund recognized eight outstanding student entrepreneurs at the virtual 2019/2020 Phase II MavPitch on August 13th. A total of $180,000 in development funds was awarded. The awardees are presented below along with brief descriptions of their business ideas and award amounts.
Store Sense
Deependra Thakur and Abhay Dere, both undergraduate students pursuing their degrees in computer science, joined forces to craft a comprehensive software solution meticulously tailored for gas station store owners. Their ingenious innovation brought efficiency to various facets of the business, encompassing seamless inventory management, precise sales tracking, insightful revenue analysis, and simplified employee management. Their outstanding achievement did not go unnoticed, as Deependra and Abhay were honored with $40,000 in development funds during this year's MavPitch business pitch competition. This recognition highlights the impressive potential of their visionary work in the gas station management space.
Deependra Thakur, August 10, 2023
Deependra Thakur, August 10, 2023
December 8, 2022
Deependra Thakur and Abhay Dere, August 10, 2023
Jim Grundy, Joel Knutowski, Srini Gorty, Deependra Thakur, Abhay Dere, David Nguyen, Ryan Jones
College Major Mentorship
Grant Dennis, an undergraduate advertising student, established College Major Mentorship to alleviate the uncertainty surrounding the choice of college majors. He achieved this by facilitating connections between students and accomplished career professionals who offered valuable mentorship. Grant secured $5,000 during MavPitch's Phase I and an additional $10,000 during the grand finale to recognize his project's merit.
Grant Dennis, August 10, 2023
Grant Dennis, August 10, 2023
Grant Dennis, August 10, 2023
Grant Dennis, August 10, 2023
Grant Dennis, December 8, 2022
Succsmart
Aijalon (AJ) Igbeare, an electrical engineering undergraduate student, conceived a business tech startup with a strong commitment to revolutionizing single-use plastic straws and other disposable products by utilizing their exclusive biopolymer composite material. This initiative is a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future. AJ earned a well-deserved $25,000 in this year's competition for this innovative venture.
Aijalon (AJ) Igbeare, August 10, 2023
Aijalon (AJ) Igbeare, August 10, 2023
Aijalon (AJ) Igbeare, December 8, 2022
Jim Grundy, Joel Knutowski, Srini Gorty, Aijalon (AJ) Igbeare, David Nguyen, Ryan Jones, August 10, 2023
[Aijalon (AJ) Igbeare, December 8, 2022]
Lens Defense
Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, a management Ph.D. student, initiated a venture to offer an accessible and affordable solution for protecting eyeglasses and sunglasses from scratches. Lens Defense designs custom-made protectors crafted from the same transparent and durable material used for smartphone screen protectors, ensuring compatibility with any size and shape of eyewear. This innovative system offers a much more cost-effective alternative to replacing scratched lenses. Brooke secured $5,000 during the competition's initial phase and an impressive $20,000 during the grand finale in recognition of her innovative project.
Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, December 8, 2022
Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, December 8, 2022
Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, August 10, 2023
Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, August 10, 2023
Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, December 8, 2022
Jim Grundy, Joel Knutowski, Srini Gorty, Stephanie (Brooke) Escudero, David Nguyen, Ryan Jones, August 10, 2023
Polar Ice Cap
Layth Ibrahim, an electrical engineering student, embarked on a visionary venture centered around specialized hats engineered to provide wearers with a cooling respite from sweltering temperatures. Layth's innovation earned him acclaim and financial support, as he secured $2,500 during the preliminary phase of the MavPitch competition and an impressive additional $15,000 during the prestigious final event. This recognition and funding underscore the promising potential of Layth's forward-thinking endeavor.
Layth Ibrahim, December 8, 2022
Layth Ibrahim, August 10, 2023
Layth Ibrahim, December 8, 2022
Layth Ibrahim, August 10, 2023
Jim Grundy, Joel Knutowski, Srini Gorty, Layth Ibrahim, David Nguyen, Ryan Jones, August 10, 2023
Trail Angels
Virginia Bartin, a marketing undergraduate alum, and Patrick Bartin, an advertising student, jointly conceived an innovative meal kit service explicitly tailored for weekend hikers and long-term backpackers, ensuring they receive nourishment while trekking along the trail. The Appalachian Trail, known for its extended journey, traditionally involves months of meticulous planning. However, the Bartin siblings' solution aims to streamline this process by meticulously organizing the hiker's meals and delivering them to a predetermined trail location. Their collaborative effort was rewarded with $1,500 in support during MavPitch's Phase I, followed by a substantial $20,000 during the Phase II competition, underscoring the potential of their venture.
Virginia Bartin and Patrick Bartin, December 8, 2022
Patrick Bartin, August 10, 2023
Virginia Bartin, August 10, 2023
Virginia Bartin, December 8, 2022
Virginia Bartin and Patrick Bartin, August 10, 2023
Jim Grundy, Joel Knutowski, Srini Gorty, Virginia Bartin, Patrick Bartin, David Nguyen, Ryan Jones, August 10, 2023
DFW 360 Media
Safal Koirala, an undergraduate marketing student, introduced a dynamic real estate photography and media company that delivers top-tier content for property listings and brand enhancement. Safal's business pitch left a profound impression on the judges, and his entrepreneurial vision garnered considerable support. He secured an impressive $15,000 during the initial phase of the competition and received an additional $20,000 at the grand finale. This recognition underscores the remarkable potential of Safal's venture in the real estate industry.
Safal Koirala, December 8, 2022
Safal Koirala, August 10, 2023
Safal Koirala, December 8, 2022
Safal Koirala, August 10, 2023
Safal Koirala, December 8, 2022
Jim Grundy, Joel Knutowski, Srini Gorty, Safal Koirala, David Nguyen, Ryan Jones, August 10, 2023
Niddal Abedrabbo, Dennis Hoang, Safal Koirala, Mark Byers, Syndi Nelson, Adeel Horzi, December 8, 2022
The Boopli Bottle
Taylor Shackelford, an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in information systems, embarked on a pioneering venture to address the timeless issue of bottle refusal among breastfed infants using a fresh and innovative approach. This visionary concept involves using a mobile app to scan and replicate a mother's breast, providing infants with a seamless and natural feeding experience. Taylor's entrepreneurial ingenuity earned well-deserved recognition, as he was awarded $16,000 in venture development funds to develop this groundbreaking idea further. This acknowledgment affirms the transformative potential of Taylor's venture in infant care.
Taylor Shackelford, May 11, 2023
Taylor Shackelford, August 10, 2023
Taylor Shackelford, August 10, 2023
Taylor Shackelford, May 11, 2023
Taylor Shackelford, August 10, 2023
Jeffrey McGee and Taylor Shackelford, May 11, 2023
LuxeView
Benjamin Carver, an undergraduate majoring in marketing, conceived and brought to life LuxeView, a comprehensive residential real estate photography and videography service provider. LuxeView offers premium marketing solutions tailored to the local high-end housing market. Their extensive services encompass everything from awe-inspiring drone footage, photography, and videography to captivating twilight photos and meticulous, high-quality editing. LuxeView also incorporates cutting-edge technology through immersive VR experiences, interactive property tours, and captivating social media content. Benjamin received $17,000 in this year's highly competitive MavPitch business pitch competition.
Benjamin Carver, May 11, 2023
Benjamin Carver, August 10, 2023
Benjamin Carver, August 10, 2023
Benjamin Carver, May 11, 2023
Benjamin Carver, August 10, 2023
Divine Skin
Mary Ratemo, an undergraduate student with a double major in finance and accounting, embarked on a journey to create an herbal-based beauty brand. Driven by her passion and a heartfelt commitment to delivering high-quality skincare products to people of color, Mary's vision is rooted in using unique herbal combinations and vitamins sourced from Africa. Mary's dedication and entrepreneurial spirit were rightfully acknowledged as she secured $7,000 during the 2022-2023 Maverick Entrepreneurship Program and Award Fund's MavPitch competition.
Mary Ratemo, May 11, 2023
Mary Ratemo, May 11, 2023
Mary Ratemo, May 11, 2023
Mary Ratemo, August 10, 2023
Mary Ratemo, August 10, 2023
Sample Video Submissions
The Judges
David Nguyen
Vice President
Wells Fargo Technology Banking Group
About David: David Nguyen serves as the Vice President within the Wells Fargo Technology Banking Group. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in supporting companies spanning diverse technology sectors, encompassing software, hardware, fintech, and technology-enabled services. David's expertise includes debt financing, treasury management, e-receivables, investment banking, asset management, and asset-based lending. His insightful perspectives and strategic counsel have played a pivotal role in empowering technology entrepreneurs to realize their business objectives.
Joel Knutowski
Franchise Owner
SuperGreen Solutions of Fort Worth
About Joel: Joel Knutowski is the franchise owner of SuperGreen Solutions of Fort Worth, a solar, EV charging, LED lighting, and home efficiency solutions provider. Joel is a well-rounded business leader with extensive experience in the energy solutions and electrical equipment marketplace. His accomplishments include a successful track record in leadership, value-driven sales, sales team assembly, executive engagement, sales channel management, product management, business development, and marketing. Joel's specialties encompass strategic planning, resource allocation, P&L management, cross-functional team leadership, market and competitive analysis, process enhancement implementation, and new product development and introduction.
Srini Gorty
Founder & CEO
Leap Metrics
About Srini: Srini Gorty is a serial entrepreneur known for his remarkable ability to establish, nurture, and scale multiple SaaS software businesses over two decades. He is the Founder and CEO of Leap Metrics, a company specializing in healthcare analytics and care management SaaS software. Srini's vision is to accelerate the transition of healthcare toward value-based care, enhancing data accessibility and actionable insights for payers and providers of all sizes.
Ryan Jones
Vice President of Commercial Lending
Simmons Bank
About Ryan: Ryan Jones serves as the Vice President of Commercial Lending at Simmons Bank. Ryan has been an accomplished commercial banker in North Texas, specializing in serving small and middle-market businesses and real estate ventures since 2010. He currently serves on the board of Alliance Lending Corp, an SBA 504 Certified Development Company, where he can realize his passion for nurturing small businesses. Ryan resides in Mansfield with his wife and two children and enjoys hobbies such as traveling, reading, chess, and fitness.
Jim Grundy
CEO & Founder
Sisu Energy LLC
About Jim: Jim Grundy the CEO and Founder of Sisu Energy LLC, leads one of the nation's fastest-growing all-pneumatic frac sand hauling companies. Since 2018, his company has generated over $100 million in revenue without relying on significant financial leverage. Jim epitomizes the new generation of entrepreneurs by utilizing smart technologies and implementing his "PPP" (Praise, Promote, and Pay) initiatives. His achievements have garnered significant media attention, appearing on prominent outlets like Fox Business, CNN, USA Today, and Telemundo.
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