Kevin Plank’96, founder and CEO of Under Armour, is looking for the world’s most passionate student entrepreneurs for the 10th Annual Cupid’s Cup. If you are a student entrepreneur with a game-changing business idea, here are 10 reasons you should apply today.
10. Be a part of history. This will be the 10th anniversary of Cupid’s Cup, now one of the world’s toughest business competitions. Kevin Plank is looking for finalists with passion, hustle and drive. Do you have what it takes?
9. Semifinalists will receive an exclusive peek into Under Armour’s headquarters since the semifinal round will be at Baltimore HQ.
Amanda Nachman, 2009 Cupid’s Cup Winner.
8.Become part of the elite circle of past Cupid’s Cup winners. This exclusive group of founders includes such game-changers as last year’s winner from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Disease Diagnostic Group (DDG). DDG produces a rapid, accurate and affordable handheld malaria diagnostic device. Other winners include publisher of the ultimate national daily guide to campus life, College Media Group (’09), and innovative board game company, North Star Games (’06).
7. Travel expenses are covered. The University of Maryland will cover all travel and lodging costs for one applicant from each semifinalist company.
6. Where else can you find a room full of people who can help you grow your company? Cupid’s Cup draws VC and angel investors, fellow entrepreneurs, potential advisors and business contacts from across the country. Even if you don’t win – your network will grow.
5. You’ll be competing alongside the best of the best. The competition is international and draws applicants from top schools with innovative products and services that have potential to disrupt the market.
4. Oh, and did we mention the winner will gain access to Kevin Plank’s professional network? To give you an idea of the folks in Plank’s rolodex, just flash back to the 2014 Cupid’s Cup judging panel: Russell Simmons, Co-founder, Def Jame Recording; Robin Thurston, Founder and CEO, MapMyFitness; and Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, Co-Foudners, SoulCyle.
2014 Cupid’s Cup Judges Panel
3. There’s more than $100K on the line. Winners have potential to win cash prizes and the prestigious Cupid’s Cup.
2. Under Armour swag along the way. Need we say more?
1. Receive coaching from experienced Dingman Entrepreneurs-In-Residence who will mentor finalists up to competition day.
Think you have what it takes? Apply by January 5, 2015.
Cupid’s Cup is powered by the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. The application phase runs from Nov. 1, 2014, to Jan. 5, 2015 (11:59 p.m. EST). There is no fee to apply. The final competition will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at the University of Maryland.