Pitch Night

Our Students are Building Up to Pitch Night

Earlier this year, The Record North Shore published a feature on the students enrolled in Startup U when they pitched their minimal viable products to a panel of judges. Led by business education faculty Sara Burnett and Bob Bollweg, the class helped the students prepare their presentations that laid out their business models and even requested early-stage funding, if necessary, to bring the minimal product to life.

Among the students’ ideas are: physical products, like a headband with replaceable cooling packs and a tarp with weighted magnets in each corner; digital products, like sports NFTs; and digital services, like a platform that connects individuals trying to meet up for recreational athletics.

Following their MVP pitches, the groups have been following through on their products and putting them out in the world to gather and analyze feedback.

The process builds up to the final pitches by the students on May 17 to a group of judges at New Trier. The top three businesses from this round will advance to Pitch Night on May 19 at the Wilmette Theatre and will be open to the public.

6:30 pm | Doors Open
Refreshments available for sale at the concession stand.

6:30 – 7:00 pm | Student Showcase/People’s Choice Award Voting
Circulate the lobby as you hear pitches from teams vying for the People’s Choice Award – the last spot on stage that night. Place your vote for your favorite business on your way into the theater.

7:00 pm | Pitches Begin