2. 72 hours to start a technology company
DAY ONE:
Brainstorming session. Students present their ideas and vote for the
plans they like best. Teams are formed.
DAY TWO:
Team brainstorming sessions. Market research. Idea development.
Pitch ideas in the evening for critiques from 3DS mentors and
facilitators.
DAY THREE:
Teams continue working all day and give final pitches in the evening
to a panel of judges and potential investors.
3. Alan Rochard – Biquity
Alan‟s idea made it to the first evening and he pitched
“Bitquity,” a company that facilities equity financing using
bitcoins, an online virtual currency! Not legal in the US but
in other countries, the concept is not easily understood.
When Alan‟s pitch failed to attract followers, he decided to
pursue his idea alone cheered on by a group of five
enthusiastic 3DS mentors (and potential investors).
And he aced his final pitch on Day 3!
4. Sarah Bhamani – Chiron Health
Sarah joined Chiron Health, a Telehealth platform connecting patients and
doctors online. The idea was pitched by Andy O‟Hara, 1st year MBA who
“will found this company and if you want to be part of it join me.” Sarah
followed this call and loved the experience doing market research. The
team created a lot of buzz around Chiron Health. Watch for it – because it‟s
going to happen!
5. “Your idea is your baby.
I know it‟s hard to bring that idea
out into the world and hear
someone tell you how much
your baby sucks.”
Cam Houser, 3DS CEO
McCombs MBA „10
6. Vamsee Ravella – Parklet (BHP)
Another BBA idea that made the first day pitch! Vamsee pitched
for peace of mind in form of pre-paid parking. Who wouldn‟t like to
leave home knowing where to park in downtown
Austin? Vamsee‟s idea was voted tops – very likely to succeed.
But then he switched gears and joined the Snipbook team to work
on an app for hairstylists.
7. Patrick Monaghan – EventApp (BHP)
This BHP freshman came, pitched and conquered! He put together an awesome team including fellow BBA
Niko Lazaris and Kevin Hosford, McCombs MBA. Market research and great feedback of experienced mentors
morphed the initial idea for a generic app builder into a specific app for event coordinators.
8. “I love how much I‟m hearing
„we talked with potential customers
and now we‟re doing something
different.‟”
Bart Bohn, 3DS Founder
9. Miguel Cabos – Snipbook
Miguel Cabos was part of team Snipbook – the app that lets
hairstylists keep track of their clients and haircuts. Like all
the others the team worked tirelessly during the three days
to come up with a business and revenue plan. Here is part
of team Snipbook putting on the final touches before the last
pitch in front of the judges.
10. Pedram Rahmanian – HomeSurety
More success for a BBA idea! Pedram pitched “HomeSurety” on
Day 1, an online platform aiming to simplify the home-buying
process. Great pitch, too many other great ideas! Pedram put all
his energy and smarts in the team of Looksy TV. It‟s an app that
lets you look in a restaurant for 30 seconds to check out whether
the place is happening or it‟s clearing out. Genius idea or just
plain creepy?
11. Sally Stone – Matchsetter.me
2nd year MBA Sally Stone joined 3 Day Startup because
commercializing new ideas is her passion. Matchsetter.me
helps tennis players find an equally skilled partner to set up
matches. Sally prepared well and aced the answers to the
judges‟ questions.
12. Tough questions from the Judges‟ Panel!
Jeff McMahon
Open Labs
Fred Schmitt
Partner, Capital Factory
Josh Kerr
CEO, Written.com
Partner, Capital Factory
Jason Seats
Managing Director, TechStars