On January 31, the Vanderbilt Center for Entrepreneurship hosted the fourth Firestarter Pitch Competition of the 2022 – 23 academic year. Firestarters provide an opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff at Vanderbilt to pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges and receive feedback. The winner receives a $500 prize to put toward furthering their business concept.
Judges for the January Firestarter:
Peter Rousos Director of Economic and New Venture Development, Vanderbilt University
Sam Graber Entrepreneur & award-winning Podcaster
Woody Klemmer Head of Growth, Formativ
Ethan Fedida Co-Founder, Campfire Group
Stryker Warren Associate Director of Venture Development, The Wond’ry Founder Program & Launch Incubator
Jeremy Padawer Chief Brand Officer, Jazwares
Congratulations to our winner:
Interns-4-Good
Presented by Ellie Zimmerman (BA ’25)
Interns 4-Good is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to connect high school students with virtual, skill-based internship opportunities at nonprofit organizations that allow them to develop their professional skills while also giving back to worthy causes.
Thank you to all the students who participated!
Zol Presented by Justin Hoolik (BA ’25)
Zol is an app that offers consumers a bundle of one-time-use discounts from top local bars and restaurants.
Homebody Presented by Olivia Stone (MMark ‘23)
Homebody is a luxury furniture rental service to provide renters high-end furnishing at a fraction of the price.
HealthNav Presented by Lauren Hatcher (MD/MBA ’24)
HealthNav simplifies the health screening process, gathers patient information and analyzes medical history to provide medical screening recommendations.
Yovi Presented by Nicholas M Williams (EdD ’22)
Yovi is mobile app that provides users with the current “vibes” of social venues & events and connects users with others who share the same or similar social outing preferences.
GameDay Presented by Dante Delgado (BS ’25)
GameDay is a subscription-based sports betting app that allows users to bet on games without burning the hole in their pocket.