Startup Runway turns the funding gap faced by founders into an onramp. Finalists have had rounds led by firms from Canaan Partners to Microsoft, Techstars, Valor, Floodgate and more. Investor introductions helps promising founders meet first investors. This exclusive program creates relationships with angels and VCs that make a significant difference in how fast startups get funded.
Ten founders from across the country were selected to pitch at Startup Runway’s 30th Edition and a chance to win a $10,000 grant! The competition took place on March 6th at Science Square in Atlanta. The finalists were able to network with investors, while getting quality feedback for their startups. The University of Kentucky was represented by VACE Bootcamp Founder and current student, Sarisha Lohano.
This mission is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) America's Seed Fund, American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact, NCR Voyix Foundation, Cox Enterprises, and Georgia Power Company.
"Being selected as a national finalist for Startup Runway was an honor. Presenting to the incredible panel of judges and founders was a great experience, along with meeting so many other innovative startups and investors. VACE has also supported me throughout my entrepreneurial journey in developing the skills I need to move DocAI forward." - Sarisha Lohano, University of Kentucky Undergraduate, College of Medicine and Lewis Honors College
"It has been a pleasure to work with Sarisha in preparation for Startup Runway and the many other pitch competitions she's seeking to attend throughout the country. It's wonderful helping her grow as an entrepreneur, founder, and future executive leader for Kentucky and beyond." - Mariam Gorjian, Assistant Director for The Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship, Gatton College of Business & Economics
“Sarisha has been a strong leader in the Lewis Honors College, where she has served as a member of the Honors College Ambassador Team (HCAT) for the past two years. She's given dozens of tours and "pitched" the value of Honors to prospective students and their families. We've been delighted to help defray the cost of her participation in several pitch competitions, and are thrilled—but not at all surprised—by her success. We look forward to watching her post-college career unfold.” - Dr. Pearl James, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Lewis Honors College
Top 10 Finalists
Sarisha Lohano – DocAI, University of Kentucky
Duvall Smith - oyu.ai
Kendra Koch - joindivergently.com
Savalas Colbert - heartbeatfam.com
Douglas Wilson - wepopoff.com
Bryce E. Folsom - elifesummary.com
Kablan Kadjo - productflo.io
Erica Evans - Blood Rheology Solutions
Yash Vagal - curanostics.health
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