We sat down with Josh Doering, student at Morningside College, co-founder of Seed Slide and the winner of U.Pitch 2015, to hear all about his experience as a student entrepreneur. Have your own idea to pitch? Apply to pitch at U.Pitch 2016 by October 20, 2016 here.
Why did you apply for U.Pitch? I applied for U.Pitch after first competing in the CEO pitch competition. Seeing the other student entrepreneurs’ pitches inspired me to work on my own and try to take it to the next level while incorporating the feedback I had received from the judges the first time.
Did U.Pitch change your startup’s momentum moving forward? U.Pitch propelled me to much greater heights. The publicity, the connections, and the funding I got from the experience are impossible to put a measure on!
What has been the greatest challenge for you as a student entrepreneur? My greatest challenge has been finding life balance between time spent devoted to Seed Slide, school, a job, internship, sports, and family and friends. Trying to juggle all the different activities at the same time isn’t easy, but putting in the hustle now will pay off in the long run.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students thinking about starting their own business? My advice: Start now! Being able to play the student card will really help you find the resources needed to get farther faster. It also helps combine the skills you’re learning in the classroom and gives you a place to put them to use in the real world!
What was the most valuable part of U.Pitch? The most valuable part of U.Pitch was meeting the like-minded students from across the nation (the $5,000 was a nice bonus as well :))
What recommendations do you have for students that want to compete in pitch competitions? I recommend writing your pitch out first, then constantly seeking feedback to improve it. Combine this with lots of passion and practice, and you’re on the path of perfection!
What does Seed Slide do and how old you were when you began working on it? Seed Slide is a remote seed box opener that enhances safety and efficiency in farming operations. I began working on Seed Slide out of my dorm room at Morningside College in combination with my family’s farm in Hubbard, IA when I was 20 years old.
Learn more about Seedslide at seedslide.com
*** About U.Pitch The Annual U.Pitch Competition and Showcase, an initiative of Future Founders Startup, brings together the best students from a cross-section of universities in the ultimate elevator pitch competition. In just 90 seconds, students can win part of $15,000 for their idea or startup, in addition to the opportunity to showcase in front of hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and other students from the entrepreneurial community. The 3rd Annual U.Pitch Competition & Showcase is coming back to Chicago on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 1871 in Chicago. Students can apply at futurefounders.com/startup/upitch. About Future Founders Future Founders is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that believes every youth can become an entrepreneur. We immerse youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to create their own opportunity. We believe this leads to a generation more determined, hopeful and equipped as they engage the future. Since 2005, our programs have served over 30,000 youth. The organization is powered by Capital One, CME Group Foundation, The Coleman Foundation, Keywell Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Accenture, The John E. & Jeanne T. Hughes Foundation, Bank of America, Baxter, EY, Ford Motor Company Fund, Hoyt Family Foundation, Motorola Mobility Foundation, Smart Bet Charity, and many of the region’s top entrepreneurs and business leaders. Join us as we empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.futurefounders.com.
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