Don’t Miss Entrepreneur Quest Pitch Competition

The top 15 applicants representing 12+ degree programs are competing for a spot in Mizzou’s EQ program and a $500 audience-favorite prize. Cheer on your favorite team as they pitch their business idea before a panel of accomplished judges. The top 10 from this group will have an opportunity to win up to $30,000 for their venture during the spring semester. Mizzou students won first and third place overall in the UM System EQ finale in April 2019.

November 18, 2019 – 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Leadership Auditorium, MU Student Center
Reception at 5:30 p.m.

Pitch Presenters & Ventures

Sharoze Amir, computer science (Chil: A service that matches those in need of help with a chore to those with interest in completing the task)
Zach Cook, MBA student (Vesta: One-stop cold storage container for the e-food and beverage delivery industry)
Trent Esser, business management (Printerior: Custom-made furniture from 3D recycled plastics)
Maxwell Fazekas, electrical engineering graduate student (Max Fix: Economical cell phone repairs)
David Goddard, finance graduate student (Kimberling City Bait and Tackle: Provides guide service, gear and lures)
Matthew Gunn, international business (S’more of That: Custom catered s’more experience)
Daniel Hoffman, executive MBA student (Norah Health: Patient satisfaction platform)
James Hopfenblatt, architectural studies & design with digital media (avanzAR: Evidence-based stroke rehabilitation game platform)
Emily Housey, journalism strategic communication (Housey Designs LLC: Customizable products for Generation Z)
Kaitlyn Barksdale, finance (Kate’s Crochets: Affordable crocheted clothing for women and men)
Ankit Jain, computer science (IMPLS: All-in-one website/app for athletic apparel and equipment)
Hayden McCarter, business management (Scoreboard: eSports bar for gamers)
Drew Patel, computer science (Pollinate: Blockchain login for package deliveries)
Madison Read, graphic design (Doodle Bed: Creates coloring page on white sheets for hospital patients)
Daniel Serres, political science and communications (Fresher Than U: Provides canvases in everyday items for digital graphic artists, beginning with car air freshner)

Judges

Zach Beattie, BS BA ’14, CEO and founder of Off The Grid; co-founder of SafeTreck
Nickie Davis, BGS ’09, executive director of The District Downtown Columbia; owner of Muse Clothing
Jeremyah Grigery, BS BA ’12, director of digital marketing, Veterans United Home Loans; owner of Nostalgiaville USA
Foster Honeck, BA ’15, chief of staff, Troutwine Ventures
Kelsey Raymond, BS BA, ‘’11, co-founder and CEO of Influence & Co.
Robin Winn, BA ’07, managing partner, Winn Law Firm

What’s Next?

Ten semifinalists from the above group of 15 applicants will participate in an eight-week educational program and advance to another pitch competition in March 2020. The three winners from that competition will split $30,000 in awards and compete for an additional $30,000 at the University of Missouri System Pitch Competition on April 8, 2020 (check back here later for more information on the spring semester competitions). See who won the EQ fall pitch competition last year.

More event and networking opportunities are posted on Missouri StartupTree, the University of Missouri System’s free online community and global platform for students interested in entrepreneurship and startups. Join projects and venture teams. Connect with mentors, investors and innovators from 130+ universities and other organizations. Just log in with your MU credentials and create an account.

About EQ
EQ provides workshops, tools and mentoring to help undergraduate and graduate students from any degree program make their business ideas a reality. Participants have the opportunity to win up to $30,000 to jump-start their venture. Watch our two-minute video for more details.

Your Contact:
Dr. Greg Bier, EQ Director
Bierg@missouri.edu
573-882-9026
1210c MU Student Center, Columbia, Missouri 65211
Follow EQ Mizzou on Instagram