Pirate entrepreneurship challenge moves to round three with seven teams

Published Dec 07, 2017 by
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The Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, the signature, three-round business pitch competition sponsored by the College of Business’ Miller School of Entrepreneurship, recently announced seven second-round winners that will move on to the final competition Feb. 22, 2018.

Second-round winners of the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge include, from left to right, Magus Pereira, Paul Safrit, Jordan Rice, Taylor Hicks, Nick Walden, Matt McCall and Victor Still. (contributed photos)

Second-round winners of the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge include, from left to right, Magus Pereira, Paul Safrit, Jordan Rice, Taylor Hicks, Nick Walden, Matt McCall and Victor Still. (contributed photos)


The winners were chosen from 12 teams that came out of round one and judged by East Carolina University representatives.
The round-two winners are:

  1. Magus Pereira, Sid Singh, Kevin Han – ClusterDucks

Mentor: Charles Banks, Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
Description: Cluster Ducks is a network of Wi-Fi-enabled buoys designed to extend internet connectivity between distressed individuals affected by natural disasters to emergency personnel and family members.

  1. Matt McCall – Beyond Tutoring

Mentor: Scott Barker, SBTDC
Description: Beyond Tutoring, LLC is a college-level tutoring service for veterans that connects them to personal tutors and tracks their progress and tutoring sessions.

  1. Taylor Hicks, Nick Walden – Simple and Sentimental

Mentor: Ariana Billingsley, SBTDC
Description: Simple and Sentimental provides unique, hand-lettered items. Since starting in December 2016, the company has had almost 2,000 online sales with over 400 5-star reviews on its Etsy shop.

  1. Jordan Rice, Troy Demers – House Pool

Mentor: ECU Technology Transfer
Description: House Pool is a college-exclusive app that makes leasing easier for both the prospective tenant and landlord. It brings together college students and local housing options.

  1. Victor Still – Who is Rose?

Mentor: Miller School of Entrepreneurship
Description: “Who is Rose?” is a fashion line that highlights the motivation and components of success behind an individual’s life.

  1. Paul Safrit – Safrit Solar

Mentor: John Ciannamea, Innovator in Residence at East Carolina University
Description: Safrit Solar, LLC manufactures and distributes customized and stand-alone portable solar systems for outdoor activities, such as tailgating, camping or daily use.

  1. Nick Venditti, Chandler King – FOWL

Mentor: Hallie Hawkins, SBTDC
Description: FOWL’s mission is described by our slogan “wear your life.” The company is dedicated to creating the biggest bag and accessories brand in the world and bringing everyone together no matter the lifestyle.
“We have an impressive group of student entrepreneurs moving on to the final round of the Pirate Challenge,” said David Mayo, an instructor with the Miller School of Entrepreneurship. “Since round one, each team has made tremendous strides toward the growth of their ventures.”
A total of $20,000 will be split between the first-, second- and third-place winners from round three of the challenge.
 
-by Michael Rudd, University Communications