{"id":4241,"date":"2024-12-18T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/?p=4241"},"modified":"2024-12-13T19:42:16","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T19:42:16","slug":"celebrating-big-wins-and-milestones-in-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-at-venture-devils-demo-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/2024\/12\/18\/celebrating-big-wins-and-milestones-in-innovation-and-entrepreneurship-at-venture-devils-demo-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Big Wins and Milestones in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Venture Devils Demo Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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November 16, 2024, marked a significant day for students in the Venture Devils program. They showcased their ventures during Venture Devils Fall Demo Day. This event is a stepping stone towards even greater achievements and marks the beginning of these students\u2019 entrepreneurial journeys. For many, this live-pitch competition was just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative path in the world of innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning Ideas into Impactful Ventures<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Venture Devils program offers students a unique opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors, providing the resources and mentorship needed to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. At Demo Day, participants had the chance to compete for seed funding, which is designed to give students the financial support they need to grow their ventures without giving up ownership. This funding is a key part of the Venture Devils e<\/span>xperience, but it is far from the only way the program helps foster entrepreneurial talent.<\/span><\/p>\n

The program is open to students throughout the year, allowing teams to join at any time. In addition to funding, Venture Devils participants have access to workshops, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities that help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. This robust support system is a testament to ASU\u2019s commitment to empowering students and preparing them for success in the competitive startup world.<\/span><\/p>\n

In total, Venture Devils participants received more than $125,000 in awards on Demo Day. These funds were part of a larger initiative that also included a global venture, engaging with the <\/span>GIST Innovates the Balkans<\/span><\/a> program, funded by the U.S. Department of State\u2019s Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. This collaboration underscores the global impact and reach of the ASU\u2019s entrepreneurship ecosystem, offering a platform for innovation that extends beyond local borders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Funding and Support for Student Ventures Shaping the Future<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the standout moments of Demo Day was the announcement of the largest monetary award, which went to Sandul G., a sophomore who founded his venture, Legion Platforms, while still in high school. Sandul\u2019s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the supportive environment fostered at ASU. He shared his experiences of how the university and Venture Devils have helped him at every stage of his venture\u2019s development.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sandul credits ASU\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem for the continuous support and resources that have been instrumental in his growth as an entrepreneur. “From the mentorship and workshops to the opportunities for funding and networking, ASU has provided me with the tools to succeed,” he explained. For Sandul, winning the award was not just a recognition of his hard work, but also a signal that his journey is only just beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Venture Devils participants move forward, they will continue to benefit from the program\u2019s extensive network and resources, all designed to propel them toward even greater milestones. For these aspiring entrepreneurs, Demo Day was not just a day to celebrate their current achievements, but also a reminder that their ventures\u2014and their potenti<\/span>al\u2014have no limits.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sandul Gangodagamage at Venture Devils Demo Day event<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Gaining More Than Funding<\/b><\/h3>\n

I<\/span>n total, over 50 teams pitched their ventures for funding at Demo Day. While not every team received financial support, all participants gained invaluable feedback from a panel of judges, along with insights into the entrepreneurial resources most relevant to their next steps. This experience helped them identify tools and networks that will play a crucial role in the continued growth of their ventures.<\/span><\/p>\n

The daylong event also offered ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with mentors, investors, and peers. During this time, several founders shared their insights and advice, offering wisdom that could be especially valuable for those co<\/span>nsidering joining the program or pitching for the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n

What advice would you give to students pitching at Demo Day for the first time?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cTake that leap. It took Ryan (my co-founder) and me a long time to feel confident enough to make this jump, but it\u2019s one of the best decisions we\u2019ve ever made. From both a business and personal perspective, I\u2019ve learned so much\u2014not only about business but also about becoming a smarter, sharper, and better person through this process. It\u2019s an experience I might never have had if I hadn\u2019t taken that initial step.\u201d<\/span>
<\/span>\u2013\u00a0Benji Sarnovskiy, Senior, Finance, Split Payment Technologies (Graduating in 2025)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

How do you calm your nerves for Demo Day?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cTake a deep breath, practice, and prepare. You know yourself best, so make sure you\u2019re breathing and doing what works for you.\u201d<\/span>
<\/span>\u2013\u00a0Ryan Schoenberg, Recent Graduate, Split Payment Technologies<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

How did you hear about the Edson E+I program?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI first heard about the Edson E+I program from a friend who had previously pitched at Demo Day. He recommended it to me, saying it would be a great program that offers valuable learning experiences, even if it requires pitching multiple times. I truly believe I\u2019ve gained a lot since the last time I pitched\u201d<\/span>
<\/span>\u2013\u00a0Kangnaa Singh, Junior in Aerospace Engineering, ABridgeUSA<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Why did you choose to pursue your venture?<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cI decided to pursue this idea and invest in this venture because\u00a0 I saw the lack of access to resources available for disabled people across the world. I believe if we can give everyone the opportunity to learn, play, and actively participate in their communities, we can empower them to achieve success and have a bright future\u201d.<\/span>
<\/span>\u2013\u00a0Brianna Iannone, Master\u2019s Student, All Minds Can Play<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Fall Demo Day Funding Winners<\/b><\/p>\n

At Venture Devils Demo Day, ASU awarded a total of $126,000 across four funding tracks, supporting 25<\/span> unique ventures with awards ranging from $1,000 to $30,000.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Winners at Venture Devils Demo day event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

GIST Innovates the Balkans <\/b>funded by the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation at the U.S. Department of State\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$3,000: KidsDay\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The eSeed Challenge <\/b>Powered by the Prescott Student Venture Fund\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$1,000: Apps4.ai; Carbonless; ExchangeSurvey; Stoqs.ai; StudyCal; VR Clubs of America\u00a0<\/p>\n

$2,500: ABridgeUSA, Studygenie\u00a0<\/p>\n

$4,000: referbd\u00a0<\/p>\n

$5,000: Lazy Daisy Bedsheets, UndefeatedJ\u00a0<\/p>\n

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An additional gift identified by the Fulton Schools of Engineering awarded Solisa $5,000 thanks to the generosity of a private family donation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Health Venture Challenge <\/b>presented by Edson E+I, the eSeed Challenge Powered by the Prescott Student Venture Fund and Good Work Capital\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$5,000: HeatSense, NeuroSol, Stasia\u2019s Formula, SupLife\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Social Impact Venture<\/b> presented by Edson E+I, Canon Solutions America and Sun Devil Campus Stores.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$4,000: Books for Ukraine, Thriving Learners Institute\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$5,000: ElectroWeeder, JurisPrep, Verdantt Fresh\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative <\/b>presented by Edson E+I\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$10,000: AllergyVoyage; NEKTR\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

$30,000: Legion Platforms\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Access on-demand resources across ASU<\/b><\/h3>\n

At Demo Day, the Edson E+I Institute introduced a new feature: a Resource Table, offering attendees the chance to connect with representatives from a wide array of entrepreneurial resources. This space provided valuable opportunities for participants to ask questions, network, and discover the tools available to help them succeed. Representatives from various sectors, including ASU faculty, fellow E+I entrepreneurs, Student-Made@ASU managers, Venture Mentors, and other resource partners, were on hand to share their expertise and guide participants in the next steps of their entrepreneurial journeys.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the resources highlighted were:<\/span><\/p>\n