Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship

Last week, Kevin Plank and the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship announced the finalists of the 10th Anniversary Cupid’s Cup business competition. The finalists come from top schools across the country including Cornell, Duke, Drexel, Stetson, Virginia Tech, and our own University of Maryland.

After successfully moving through several rounds, these entrepreneurs have proven they have what it takes to compete in the finals on April 22nd at the University of Maryland.

We wanted to learn a little more about the talented founders behind the startups in the final round so we asked them a few questions, like what are they up to when they’re not working on their startsups? And, what was their reaction to being named a Cupid’s Cup finalist by Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank? They had some interesting responses!

Get to know the 2015 Cupid’s Cup finalists below:

Rajvi Mehta, Gudness Bar
Duke University, School of Medicine
@SpreadGudNeSs

What was your first thought when Kevin Plank announced you as a finalist?

I didn’t see it coming, it took me some time to take it in but then I was excited!!

When you’re not working on your startup, what are you doing?

Being a medical student or painting!

Obidi Orakwusi, GymSupreme
University of Maryland
@GymSupreme

What are you most excited about regarding the final competition?

Representing the amazing entrepreneurial spirit we’ve got at UMD.

When you’re not working on your startup, what are you doing?

Thinking about software designs, product design, aesthetics of structures, psychology, and fun business models.

Christopher Gray, Scholly
Drexel University
@Scholly5

What are you most excited about regarding the final competition?

I’m excited to be in a  prestigious competition alongside some other awesome entrepreneurs! Looking forward to hearing that the judges have to say!

When you’re not working on your startup, what are you doing?

When I’m not working on my start up, I really enjoy Marvel and DC comics.

Kristen McClellan, SnappyScreen
Cornell University
@SnappyScreen

What are you most excited about regarding the final competition?

I am most excited to meet the judges with such vast entrepreneurial experiences and hear their honest and candid feedback about SnappyScreen.  When I think back over my 6 years working on SnappyScreen, some of the best business decisions I made were because I acted on tough criticisms and/or accolades from successful entrepreneurs.

What was your first thought when Kevin Plank announced you as a finalist?

We did it! What an honor it is to be validated by such a respected entrepreneur.  Kevin not only appreciates the need for a more efficient sunscreen application but also has the foresight to anticipate the impact SnappyScreen can make on the skin cancer epidemic.

Louis Cirillo, VirtualU
Virginia Tech
@VirtualUFitness

What are you most excited about regarding the final competition?

At VirtualU we know that any success for our company is a team success, for the finals I will be bringing my team up with me and I am excited about the increased motivation that going to the finals has brought to everyone.

What was your first thought when Kevin Plank announced you as a finalist?

I was incredibly thrilled that Kevin and the other judges selected our company to move forward and I also knew that there would be a lot of work ahead to prepare for the finals.

When you’re not working on your startup, what are you doing?

I’m a pretty avid outdoor adventurer, so when I’m not working I’m generally outside doing some type of extreme sport. During the winter I ski/snowboard and during the summer I rock climb, wake-board, and ride motorcycles. I feel like getting out and staying fit is key to keeping up my work performance.

Kristina Tsipouras, ZOOS Greek Iced Teas
Stetson University
@DRINKZOOS

What are you most excited about regarding the final competition?

I have to say, I have horrible stage fright, so this is personally going to be a big step for me in my career to speak in front of over 1,000 people. What I am most excited for is to be able share my story of success & struggle with so many students just starting their careers, or figuring out what they want to do with their lives. If I can do it, I truly believe that anyone can. I also cannot tell you how honored and humbled I am to have the opportunity to share my brand, that was just an idea in a notebook two years ago with successful Entrepreneurs that I look up to. To have validation from someone like Kevin Plank, it’s just priceless. It makes the last two years of my life feel validated.

When you’re not working on your startup, what are you doing?

I do believe that as an Entrepreneur, you have to work just as hard on yourself as you do your work. Everytime you speak, you are representing not only yourself, but your entire brand. Being strong, level headed, comfortable and aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and being mentally & physically fit is just as important to your brand’s success.

Be there on April 22nd! More information at www.cupidscup.umd.edu.

Cupid’s Cup Showcase & Final Competition
Wednesday, April 22
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland, College Park

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Showcase
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Cupid’s Cup Business Competition