Strathclyde Business School Newsletter
April 2016

Student team in top three for elevator pitch award

A team of Strathclyde Business School students proved their pitching skills are top notch with a top three placing in the Elevator Pitch challenge which was part of the overall Richards Barrentine Values & Ventures Business Plan Competition run by TCU Neeley School of Business in April.

The BeFriend team comprises second year students Caitlin Connolly, Jack Simpson, Ross Ford, Lisa Higgins and Amy Hyslop. Four of the team travelled to Texas to compete against 46 other undergraduate teams from around the world for a prize pot worth $77,700. The teams had to pitch plans for products and services that benefit a specific population, community and/or the environment while making a profit. More than 80 business leaders served as judges and mentors at this annual competition, providing a solid base of knowledge about the viability of startup businesses.

The Strathclyde team pitched their idea for an app that aims to combat loneliness in older people by connecting them to social activities and events in their local area. They faced tough competition in the form of Harvard University, University of Chicago, and University of Notre Dame but overcame this to take third place in the Elevator Pitch competition which won them a cash prize.

Dr Calum Forsyth of Strathclyde Business School, accompanied the team to Texas. He said, "We're really proud of the team. They conducted themselves well throughout the competition and we're delighted they have managed to bring back an award. They've been great ambassadors for the Hunter Centre, the Business School, and the University. It's been a great experience for them to take part in such a prestigious event."

Caitlin Connolly said, "We have had a great time in Texas. This competition was a fantastic experience and a chance for us to really get to grips with our idea and sell it to others. We were really pleased to win an award. We're more determined than ever to keep going with our idea and hopefully get investment to make our app available to the public."

This is the fourth year that Strathclyde Business School students have taken part in the competition and the third time that the student teams have successfully brought home an award.