Regis University wants its students to be successful on their career path, especially if it's the road less traveled. That’s why the College of Business and Economics created the Regis Innovation Center.

The Innovation Center is a great opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to hone their ideas and build their teams, culminating with a massive Innovation Challenge where entrepreneurs get to present their ideas in front of hundreds of potential investors.

Be a More Confident, Engaging Presenter with Pitch Lab

Knowing that public speaking is a weakness for most Dr. Ken Sagendorf, Professor and Director at Regis University Innovation Center, thought it would be beneficial to equip his entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to “nail” their pitches. 

"You can have a flawless business plan, a marketing strategy that is innovative and unique, but if you don’t know how to convey any of those messages, connect with the audience, portray confidence and really sell the judges on what you’ve been able to accomplish then you are not going to complete that mission. You need to know how to pitch it. Period.

Jay brought a comical and relatable feel to what is arguably the hardest part of this competition. It’s difficult to give a presentation, let alone a presentation that you have poured all your time, love and energy into. They want to get it right, and we want them to get it right too!"

Why Slack's Origin Story Matters

At Pitch Lab, we believe that when it comes to pitching, you are the differentiator. This is especially true in the ultra-competitive startup world. To this end, we opened the workshop by sharing Slack’s origin story:

In 2008, Stewart Butterfield was an entrepreneur building a desktop game at a time when users were migrating over to mobile devices. Consequently, after only a few years Stewart and his partners made the difficult decision to shut down.

Stewart broke down in tears telling his staff it was over. They then offered the VCs their remaining money back, about $5 million, but were told to keep it and try to build something else with a skeleton crew. 

Why? Because the investors believed in Stewart. Even without a new business plan in hand.

And from the ashes of a gaming company, Slack was born.

The rest is history. 

What Regis University Said About Pitch Lab:

“Jay and Pitch Lab worked with our students and their businesses in the Regis Innovation Challenge.  The difference between their pitches in the semifinals and finals was night and day.  

One student in particular worked a bit extra with Jay. I was in the back of the room the morning of the finals as he practiced, talking himself through Jay’s pointers.  

When he pitched, I was moved to tears at how far this student and his business had come, how well connected his pitch was, and how the pointers Jay gave were integrated.”

— Dr. Ken Sagendorf, Director and Professor @ The Innovation Center

“Jay left our program better than he found it. Not only did all of the startups improve their overall presentation, but those that did not win top prizes went on to be approached by community members to talk about potential outside investment.

I don't believe this would have been a reality without Jay. We're grateful to utilize his expertise, and I hope he continues to be a part of the Regis University Innovation Challenge.”

-- Ethan Lockshin, Director of Regis University Innovation Challenge