Future Founders Announces Semifinalists for 2017 U.Pitch National College Elevator Pitch Competition

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Oct 26, 2017, 10:53 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Future Founders, a non-profit organization that believes every youth can become an entrepreneur, today announced the 18 semifinalists for its 4th Annual U.Pitch National College Elevator Pitch Competition & Showcase presented by Capital One.

U.Pitch brings together the top collegiate entrepreneurs from universities across the country in the ultimate elevator pitch competition. Finalists will compete for a portion of a $10,000 prize pool by pitching to judges that include successful entrepreneurs and investors. The event will take place on Thursday, November 16 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm at 1871 (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1212, Chicago). Purchase tickets at: https://futurefoundersupitch2017.eventbrite.com.

"U.Pitch offers an opportunity for Future Founders to spotlight talented collegiate entrepreneurs from across the nation," said Scott Issen, President & CEO, Future Founders. "We are impressed with the caliber and potential of these students' innovative ideas and look forward to supporting them on their entrepreneurial journeys."

The competition will include two rounds: a private semifinals round of 18 pitches and a public finals round of the top six pitches. During the finals, students will have 90 seconds to pitch their business ideas live plus field questions from our distinguished judges:

Shradha Agarwal, President & Co-Founder, Outcome Health
Laura Bailey, SVP Community Development Banking/Community Finance, Capital One
Dima Elissa, CEO & Founder, VisMed•3D
Logan LaHive, Managing Director, Techstars Chicago
Matthew Rooda, President & CEO, SwineTech, Inc. (2016 U.Pitch Winner)
Alisha Slye, Global Director, Blackstone LaunchPad

Previous winners include SwineTech, Inc., Seed Slide, and Sokowatch.

Congratulations to the 2017 U.Pitch Semifinalists!

Brittany Barreto, Pheramor, Baylor College of Medicine (TX)
Sheridan Clayborne, Shoe Snatcher, Northwestern University (IL)
Patrick Crowe, Loophole, Colgate University (NY)
Martin Dimitrov, SnapClips, University of Illinois at Chicago (IL)
Chase Dittmer, GOVRED, Baker College (MI)
Jessica Gartenstein, Bee Nana LLC, University of Chicago (IL)
Ryan Hesslau, Crossroad Solutions, Trinity Christian College (IL)
Victor Hunt, Paragon Real Estate Technologies, Yale University (CT)
Shreshta Khetan, UniRely, New York University (NY)
Daniel Kofman, omnipilot, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL)
Ryan Lupberger, Cleancult, Babson College (MA)
Jake Parry, Piero, Brigham Young University (UT)
Bharat Pulgam, mXers Audio, University of Minnesota (MN)
Conrad Ruiz, Fibrina Cosmetics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)
Meghan Sharkus, ExpressionMed, University of St. Thomas (MN)
Karisma Sheth, Hangio, Austin College (TX)
Mikayla Sullivan, KinoSol SBC, Iowa State University (IA)

The 18th semifinalist will be the winner of the 34th Annual Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO) Global Pitch Competition to be held this weekend.

In addition to the pitches, the semifinalists will showcase their business ideas in an expo-style format.

"Capital One is proud to continue its support of Future Founders as Presenting Sponsor of U.Pitch," said Bailey. "We commend the entrepreneurs participating in this competition for making an important step forward in their careers. And our support of entrepreneurs extends beyond U.Pitch. We are here to help them launch and grow their businesses, and do what we can to help them succeed."

U.Pitch is one of the opportunities Future Founders offers to support aspiring and existing collegiate entrepreneurs. This work is generously supported by Motorola Solutions Foundation (founding sponsor), Blackstone Charitable Foundation, Capital One, The Coleman Foundation, The John E. & Jeanne T. Hughes Foundation, Keywell Foundation, Accenture, ChicagoNEXT, EY, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, and World Business Chicago.

Join us on November 16 for this special event. Register at: https://futurefoundersupitch2017.eventbrite.com.

About Future Founders

Future Founders is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that believes every youth can become an entrepreneur. We immerse youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to create their own opportunity. We believe this leads to a generation more determined, hopeful and equipped as they engage the future. Since 2005, our programs have served over 33,000 youth. Join us as we empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

CONTACT: Scott Issen, [email protected], 312-350-0334

SOURCE Future Founders