Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Marcia Manzengele ’25, Biology

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Manzengele: Skylis is a startup that hopes to offer sustainable and reliable smart growing systems as an alternative to current farming methods on Earth, and in the not-too-distant future the goal is to offer those same capabilities to astronauts on the space station and one day on the surface of the moon.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Manzengele: My biggest influence on the startup is finding sustainable solutions to combat climate change. Another influence would be space exploration, which includes designing regenerative and sustainable systems for future space programs.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Manzengele: Skylis was an attempt to merge Sky and Polaris. I wanted to create a company that could be a north star when solving pressing issues using sustainable innovation.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Manzengele: I am currently designing concepts for our future product by collaborating with a firm.

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Manzengele: Solving problems and helping people are my biggest motivators as a business owner.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Manzengele: To be passionate about their company idea and have a north star!

At the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we are always on the lookout for innovative ventures that have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. BetterU is one such venture that has caught our eye with its groundbreaking approach to habit-building.

Solving a Common Problem

All of us struggle with building and maintaining healthy habits at some point in our lives. Whether it’s exercising regularly, eating healthily, or practicing mindfulness, staying consistent with these activities can be a challenge. BetterU recognizes this universal struggle and has developed a solution to help people become the best versions of themselves.

What is BetterU?

BetterU is a platform that leverages the power of social support and gamification to help individuals develop and sustain healthy habits. The platform provides users with a fun and interactive way to track their progress, set goals, and receive support from a community of like-minded individuals. By making the habit-building process enjoyable and engaging, BetterU empowers users to make positive lifestyle changes that stick.

How BetterU Plans to Use the E-Fund

With the support of the E-Fund from the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, BetterU plans to allocate the funds to key areas that will accelerate the growth and impact of their venture. The breakdown of their spending includes:

• $427 for Clerky to set up a C Corp
• $299 for Clerky post-incorporation setup
• $274 for a Flutter developer freelancer

These strategic investments will enable BetterU to establish a solid legal foundation for their business while also enhancing their platform’s technical capabilities. By allocating the E-Fund towards these crucial areas, BetterU is positioning itself for long-term success and sustainability.

The Impact of the E-Fund

The $1000 E-Fund approved for BetterU represents more than just a financial contribution. It’s a vote of confidence from the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship in the potential of BetterU to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals striving to adopt healthier habits. With this support, BetterU is poised to take its innovative solution to the next level and reach even more individuals who are seeking to transform their lifestyles.

Join us in supporting BetterU

As we continue to champion the success of innovative ventures, we encourage the community to join us in supporting BetterU on their journey to empower individuals to lead healthier lives. The impact of BetterU extends far beyond the platform itself – it has the potential to inspire positive change in countless lives and contribute to a healthier, happier society.

At the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we are excited to witness the continued progress and growth of BetterU as they leverage the E-Fund to further their mission of making the world a better place, one healthy habit at a time.

We look forward to sharing future updates on BetterU’s journey, and we urge you to stay tuned for more inspiring stories of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Together, let’s continue to support ventures like BetterU that are dedicated to creating positive change in the world. Join us in celebrating the potential and promise of BetterU and the impact of the E-Fund in fueling their progress.

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Moughil Nandakumar ’25, Information Science & Cybersecurity

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Nandakumar: Our product works as an item manager for laboratory research groups and eliminates the time and emotions spent organizing multi-departmental equipment. It serves as enterprise software and a SaaS business that can be implemented virtually anywhere there is a business or organization that needs help to categorize, schedule, and create terms of usage for their assets. Less internal emails for better organization.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Nandakumar: I am a huge fan of uncomplacent products, businesses, and people. I think my favorite startup story would be Travis Kalanick and the founding story of Uber, and how they had to compete with Lyft in the San Francisco Rideshare market. The different tactics that Uber used to scale their business across the United States and the world are truly inspirational.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Nandakumar: LabMats – what I love about our name is everything you need to know about it is within the 2 words.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Nandakumar: Building an all-star team that is able to take ideas and make them into interactive products that people can use and see, even if it means at the most basic level. I’m making this happen by talking to everybody, and really seeing what projects and experiences they have that may be valuable to our team.

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Nandakumar: Make an idea where no one thought you could make an idea. Build a better product than the multitude of outdated legacy products people unnecessarily use. Being able to have a team that believes in the business you are building equally as much as you do is what motivates me in the end.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Nandakumar: There will be plenty of people who are willing to dig a ditch for you before they choose to understand the full scope of your idea. Build, build, learn, educate, build more. It will take time to find people to get onboard and understand your idea’s nuances and features. But, in the end, you and your team are the driving force and will always be the driving force for your venture.

As the vibrant colors of autumn adorned the University of Maryland campus, the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship hosted an extraordinary showcase of talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit – the Terp Marketplace. On November 15th, the atrium of Van Munching Hall buzzed with energy and creativity, as 45 student-led companies displayed their unique products and services, drawing a crowd eager to explore and support their endeavors.

The Birth of Dingman Dollars

This year’s Terp Marketplace was not just a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their products; it was a leap into a new realm of engagement and interaction. The introduction of Dingman Dollars – a unique currency designed specifically for this event – added an extra layer of excitement and accessibility for attendees. These special dollars, $10 given to the first 100 registrants each, became the highlight of the event, fueling sales and adding a gamified twist to the shopping experience. In total, $1,000 were distributed and then used to subsidize goods and services students were selling.

Diversity in Innovation

The diversity of industries represented at the marketplace was nothing short of impressive. From the intricate beauty of Arts & Crafts to the cutting-edge appeal of Tech & Gadgets, each stall offered a window into the passion and dedication of our Terp entrepreneurs. The Apparel & Accessories booths showcased a range of styles, from the classic to the avant-garde, while the Food & Beverage vendors tantalized taste buds with an array of flavors and cuisines. Not to be outdone, the Beauty & Personal Care stalls offered products that promised both wellness and luxury.

A Testament to Talent and Hard Work

By the end of the event, the results spoke volumes about the talent within our community – a staggering $6,000 in sales! This remarkable figure is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our student vendors. It’s also a reflection of the supportive and engaged community at the University of Maryland, who came out in force to support these budding businesses.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of this year’s Terp Marketplace, we’re filled with pride and optimism for the future of entrepreneurship at UMD. The Dingman Center remains committed to fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, and dreams can become tangible realities.

To all who participated, attended, and supported Terp Marketplace, we extend our heartfelt thanks. You have made this more than an event; you’ve made it a milestone in our collective entrepreneurial journey. Here’s to many more successful ventures and to the continued growth and success of our Terp entrepreneurs!

We’re thrilled to share an exciting success story rippling through the garden of entrepreneurial ventures right here at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship. Our latest spotlight falls upon a budding business, Your Landscapers, which has shown how dedication, a vibrant vision, and a splash of green can lead to growth in more ways than one.

Growing More Than Just Gardens

For those of us with cramped schedules where every minute is precious, maintaining a pristine lawn or garden can feel like a distant dream. This is where Your Landscapers steps in. Positioned at the sweet spot of high-quality service and competitive pricing, they’re on a mission to transform the landscape of our community, one yard at a time. By enhancing property value and curb appeal, they’re not just changing the view from our windows—they’re lifting entire neighborhoods.

Cultivating Success: The Dingman E-Fund Investment

With an acute understanding of our local needs and a sharp eye for growth opportunities, Your Landscapers made a compelling case for investment—and it bore fruit! The Dingman Center is proud to announce a generous boost to their ambition through the E-Fund, amounting to a flourishing total of $1,500.

Planting the Seeds of Efficiency

So, how will this newly acquired greenery be used to prop up this green-thumbed venture? Your Landscapers have drawn up a well-seasoned plan to allocate the funds. They intend to sharpen their edge in the market and branch out further by:

• $700 towards new equipment, ramping up their operational efficiency.
• A $200 investment in a QuickBooks subscription to keep their job organization rooted in precision.
• An additional $100 for a Jobber subscription, ensuring they can branch out without tangling their workflow.
• $500 directed towards marketing and advertising, to spread the word about their fantastic foliage far and wide.
• Lastly, $100 to enhance their Google profile, keeping them visible to those seeking to rejuvenate their green spaces.

The Evergreen Outlook

Your Landscapers are a prime example of what passion, combined with proper funding, can accomplish. As they use the E-Fund to excavate new opportunities and rake in their goals, we can’t help but feel a renewed sense of faith in the power of local businesses making a real difference.

In closing, join us in congratulating Your Landscapers on this wonderful achievement. May their gardens—and their ambitions—reach ever higher towards the sun. Watch this space; there’s fertile ground here at the Dingman Center, where seeds of innovation sprout into ventures that leave lasting impressions on both the landscape and economy.

To all budding entrepreneurs, let this story of growth inspire you to cultivate your own ideas. Who knows? The next venture flourishing from an E-Fund investment could very well be yours.

Stay rooted in innovation and growth,

The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship

Here at the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, we are always on the lookout for innovative ventures that have the potential to make a real impact. This is why we are excited to announce our approval of $1000 in funding for the venture Strapt.

The Problem

In today’s fast-paced world, people are constantly on the move, and their smartphones are a crucial part of their daily lives. However, this reliance on smartphones also comes with the risk of them getting lost or stolen, causing inconvenience and potential security concerns for the owner.

The Solution

Strapt has developed a simple yet effective solution to this problem—a phone accessory that allows individuals to securely fasten their cell phones to themselves. This can be done via a chain strap that doubles as a stylish bracelet, or by clipping the strap to their belt loop or purse when in public. This ensures that the phone is always within reach and significantly reduces the risk of it getting lost or stolen.

How the Fund Will Be Utilized

The $1000 in funding from the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship will be put to good use by Strapt. Here’s a breakdown of how they plan to allocate the funds:

1. $250 for Trademark Fee

Strapt recognizes the importance of protecting their brand and intellectual property. As such, a portion of the funding will be used to cover the costs associated with securing a trademark for their product, ensuring that they have the legal protection needed to establish and grow their brand.

2. $535 for 200 units of Iron-Metal Electroplated Curb Chain

Quality is paramount for Strapt, and they are committed to providing their customers with a product that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The funding will be used to purchase high-quality iron-metal electroplated curb chains in bulk, allowing them to lower their production costs and maintain consistency in the quality of their product.

3. $215 for Nylon Tether Tabs

Another essential component of Strapt’s product is the nylon tether tabs that provide a secure attachment point for the chain strap. This funding will allow them to purchase the necessary materials to produce these tabs, ensuring that they have a steady supply to meet the demand for their product.

The Impact

With the support of the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, Strapt is well-positioned to make a tangible impact in the market. By providing a practical and stylish solution to the problem of securing cell phones in public, Strapt has the potential to gain a strong foothold in the accessories industry. This funding will enable them to refine their product, expand their reach, and ultimately provide a valuable solution to a common concern for smartphone users.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, we are thrilled to be supporting Strapt in their mission to keep cell phones secure and accessible. The innovative nature of their product and their dedication to quality make them a promising addition to the entrepreneurial landscape. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that Strapt will have on the market, and we are proud to play a role in their journey towards success. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this exciting venture!

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Emily Ciardiello ’24, Marketing

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Ciardiello: Specially designed for the socially active, Strapt LLC is a luxury phone accessory that prevents the loss of your phone. Adaptable with all phone cases, Strapt chain accessories are the perfect balance between style and security.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Ciardiello: On several occasions, I’ve found myself in situations where a friend’s phone was stolen during our nights out. The entire group then had to deal with the inconvenience of locating the missing phone and, in some cases, taking measures to freeze any credit cards that might have been in a case pocket. These events prompted me to realize that whenever I go into public, I am constantly alert to protect my own phone—always mindful of its location and frequently surveying the people around me. Unfortunately, this heightened awareness takes away from the positive experiences of creating lasting memories with friends. Strapt LLC is dedicated to helping consumers empower their ability to connect with friends and create lasting memories. In essence, Strapt LLC promotes a lifestyle where consumers can live worry-free.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Ciardiello: The name “Strapt” stems from the combination of two central concepts. First, it takes inspiration from the
slang term “strapped,” which refers to one’s state of protection. This strongly resonates with Strapt LLC’s purpose, given its commitment to protecting cell phones through phone chain accessories. Additionally, incorporating the word “apt” highlights the idea of versatility, aligning flawlessly with the Strapt phone chain’s ability to adapt to multiple scenarios and serve multiple functions.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Ciardiello: Currently, the most important thing we are working on is creating customization on the product and packaging. This will be essential to standing out in the space and establishing an undeniable brand identity. We are working with our manufacturer on our customization options and will soon begin the process of legally protecting our mark. Strapt LLC plans to launch its sales in January 2024, so stay tuned!

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Ciardiello: I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact. As my product’s target audience is heavily aimed at socially active individuals, often college students, witnessing its positive influence on their experiences and relationships is very rewarding.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Ciardiello: I would give two pieces of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: (1) Start Now and (2) Stick with It. Launching your business provides insights and experiences that cannot be replicated through textbooks and classes. Procrastination only delays progress. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak, so stay committed and stick with it! If it helps, adopt a win-win perspective, viewing all tasks as accomplishments or valuable learning opportunities, even in challenging
situations.

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founders: Jared Lindhurst ’24, Business Management & Supply Chain Management, Julian Medrano ’24, Economics

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Lindhurst: We are a locally owned and operated Landscaping company located in Anne Arundel County. We offer a variety of services including lawn mowing, junk removal, yard cleanups, and mulching. We work to create a better community one house at a time.

Medrano: Your Landscapers LLC is the best landscaping team serving Anne Arundel County, Maryland! This was an opportunity for my business partner and me to gain business experience, and it has transformed into a fully functioning business.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Lindhurst: The ability to create my own hours and control my own future.

Medrano: My biggest influence is undoubtedly my mother. She is currently the co-owner of two businesses (a cleaning company and a mobile notary business) and she recently quit her job to pursue her businesses full-time.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Lindhurst: Your Landscapers was created to let our customers know we represent them and
the community.

Medrano: Jared and Max (former co-owner), and I just wanted to come up with a simple name that could easily be recognized by our community. I take full credit for thinking of “Your Landscapers LLC” (you can tell how creative I can be).

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Lindhurst: Building our brand and name reputation. This is done by putting our best effort into all the work we do and letting our quality of service speak for itself.

Medrano: The most important thing I am working on is getting a grant for our business, to fund our next big purchase which is a stand-on mower. I am working closely with my mom, who has many connections from her cleaning business.

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Lindhurst: My drive to step outside of my comfort zone along with the ability to support myself now and in the future.

Medrano: I am motivated by achievement. I believe that I can accomplish many goals with this business and this makes me constantly strive for improvement.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Lindhurst: Never close a door that hasn’t been opened yet. Allow yourself to take risks and grow from the experience.

Medrano: I would say that business is all about dedication. If you are willing to work through the hard times, then you will often be rewarded for your effort. Also, connections are a big thing in business! It isn’t always about what you know, since who you know could be more impactful.

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Dominic Sims ’24, Business Management

DC: Which Dingman Center programs have you been involved with?

Sims: I am currently a Dingman intern for Student Programs. I have been a part of the Terp Startup Accelerator, and I have attended quite a few networking events. My venture has been a part of Terp Marketplace and the New Venture Practicum Course.

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Sims: My venture is a community. The community emphasizes inclusion, collaboration, and education to reduce the stigma around plant-based medicine. We hope to spark a conversation between two people, to educate one another about how this medicine could potentially help them. We are not encouraging people to use the medicine, but to open their minds and get rid of prejudices.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Sims: My biggest influence on my startup is myself. My brand is centered around my personal values and my hope to change the world by listening to others and not judging before we hear their story.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Sims: The name Under the Radar came from my liking of making an impact without being in the spotlight. The graphics on the clothing are meant to be discreet and flying under the radar is another way to say discreet.

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Sims: Right now I am focused on getting people to join the community. I have been passing out flyers and encouraging everyone to follow the venture’s Instagram @clothing.utr

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Sims: What motivates me is to create generational wealth and break the cycle of working and still not having money. I want my future kids to not share some of the experiences that I’ve gone through. I also want to help people who may feel as though there is no solution to their health problems or do not want to use opioid medications. My goal is to build a community where people feel as though they can be themselves without feeling stuck in one category.

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Sims: The advice I would give other entrepreneurs is to not be afraid to take risks. We often feel like we have to have all the answers before we address the problem but making that leap can be the best teacher. Failure is a step closer to success, so don’t view it as a negative but a step closer to your goal. Also, take everything with a grain of salt and make strategic decisions for yourself. You know how you want your business to look and it is best to fail on your own terms rather than fail on someone else’s.

This semester, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 11 student startups participating in our in-person New Ventures Practicum!

Founder: Saurabh Chapagain’25, Technology Entrepreneurship

DC: Which Dingman Center programs have you been involved with?

Chapagain: I have been involved with the New Venture Practicum. This is my first semester at UMD, I transferred in from UMBC. I plan on doing the Dingman Pitch Competition as well as the summer Terp Accelerator Program.

DC: In two to three sentences, how would you describe your startup?

Chapagain: BetterU is making the world a better place by promoting healthy habits with our app that gamifies habit-building and encourages people to become their best selves in a fun and social way. Users can join tribes, earn points, and compete to stay consistent and accountable for their self-improvement journey.

DC: What or who is your biggest influence on your startup?

Chapagain: I built BetterU to solve the problems I was facing in my own self-improvement journey, specifically with staying consistent. My goal was to create something that would help people stay consistent with their habit-building efforts and find joy in the process.

DC: How did you come up with the name of your venture?

Chapagain: I wanted the name to be something that would describe the outcome for people using our app. So I went with “BetterU”, because we help you become the better you!

DC: What’s the most important thing you are working on right now and how are you making it happen?

Chapagain: We are working on getting our app shipped to both the App Store and Google Play store. We have been in closed beta since early September and believe that now is the right time to give the public access to our revolutionary app.

DC: As a student business owner, what motivates you?

Chapagain:

Building things that will help make the world a better place is what drives me. 

DC: If you could give advice to any aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Chapagain: Talk to customers, build fast, and be relentless.