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Big Business

MavPitch funds next generation of Maverick entrepreneurs

 

Mav Pitch

Jeffrey McGee explains MavPitch to a group of students interested in launching their own businesses.

 

From creating software solutions for gas station owners to revolutionizing single- use plastic straws to producing innovative meal kits tailored for weekend hikers, the latest winners of MavPitch exemplify the diversity in entrepreneurship among UTA students.

The Maverick Entrepreneur Program and Award Fund distributed $117,000 to 10 student entrepreneurs at the MavPitch grand finale event. The program and fund were established to encourage UT Arlington students to develop their business ideas. Students are critiqued by professionals in a Shark Tank-style format.

Jeffrey McGee, one of the program’s organizers and professor in the College of Business’ Department of Management, says MavPitch is “critical in helping students become the next generation of entrepreneurs and tech innovators.”

The top prize went to Deependra Thakur and Abhay Dere, computer science and engineering students. They earned $40,000 for Store Sense, a comprehensive software solution tailored for gas station store owners to bring efficiency to various facets of the business.

Other top winners included Aijalon Igbeare, with Succsmart; Stephanie Escudero, with Lens Defense; and Patrick Bartin and Virginia Bartin (’21 BBA), with Trail Angels.

“MavPitch incentivizes students to turn their business concepts into reality to enhance lives and fuel economic growth,” Dr. McGee says. “They have to adequately and succinctly pitch their startup business ideas, including the business’ profitability.”

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