Before University of Utah alum Lindsey Shipley launched and successfully exited her startup, Lactation Link, she was a labor and delivery nurse. To explain her journey, she recently led a Lassonde for Life workshop, “From One Follower to Exit,” showcasing the importance of digital products and how anyone — with the right path — can […]
It’s long been assumed that a lack of funding is what prevents startups from launching or founders from even testing their ideas in the first place. That’s the idea Victor Bennett, professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship & Strategy at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, was operating with. A startup owner […]
Scott Holley, a University of Utah alumnus, entrepreneur, and business executive, has joined the Lassonde Entrepreneurship Institute as its new executive director. Holley has vast experience in the world of entrepreneurship, particularly in cross-border manufacturing, consumer-branded products, and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Now, taking the helm on Lassonde’s 25th anniversary year, Holley has big plans. Sustaining […]
Aaron Dobron, director of business development at Park City Aviators and a serial entrepreneur, is also a storied University of Utah alum. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and was a member of the first graduating cohort of the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program. He brought his experiences to a Lassonde […]
Taylor Halversen-Bates is a University of Utah MBA graduate and current senior product manager at Grain, where she leads the creation of AI-driven technology to revolutionize meeting productivity. Recently, she hosted a Lassonde for Life workshop called “Making AI-Centered Products,” aimed at helping founders not just keep up, but become disrupters. “We don’t know how […]
Regardless of industry or background, a startup needs to find investors. We spoke with four founders and recent graduates of the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah, and they all shared a similar sentiment: “Fundraising can be very challenging.” Despite this, these founders have all successfully found investors — collectively, […]
Gaby Bernal believes luxury and empowerment can coexist. That’s why she launched Studio Ninethreeseven, a modern, female-centered beauty and body art studio. Services include piercings, permanent jewelry and makeup, lash and brow treatments, and custom charm creation. She is now growing the business in the University of Utah’s Master of Business Creation (MBC) program. Bernal […]
Amy Redford, an award-winning actress and filmmaker, hosted a special workshop at the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute where she coached students on how to create captivating pitch videos. Whether you’re preparing for a competition, seeking out venture capital or crowdfunding, or trying to grow your social media following, Redford says, “you need to be able to […]
Angie Holzer is a Master of Business Creation (MBC) graduate and founder of various organizations. Her biggest venture is WikiCharities, a nonprofit connecting and validating other nonprofits. WikiCharities has a variety of partners, including the MBC Global program. She recently led a Lassonde for Life workshop titled “Nonprofit Best Practices,” aimed at helping potential nonprofit […]
No matter what stage your startup is in, you’ll always be looking for money. Ben Lopez, a University of Utah alum and senior associate at Mercato, a growth-stage venture fund, hosted a Lassonde for Life workshop where he walked through what every founder should consider before jumping into a round. Understand the funding ecosystem “It’s […]
