Strakosch Venture Competition
Start@Shea's annual Strakosch Venture Competition is an opportunity for student founders to win equity-free funding to grow their startups.
Following the success of our 2024 competition, we're gearing up for another fantastic event. Whether you're eager to compete or simply want to be part of the excitement, come join us!
2024 Winners!

Caroline Driscoll '27
1st Place & Crowd Favorite

Bo Brainerd '25
2nd Place

Advaith Vadlakonda '25, Kyle Radimer '25
3rd Place
2024 Finalists


THE PROCESS
After rigorous screening rounds, 10 teams are selected to advance to the finals. Finalists will have 4-minutes to pitch their startup to a panel of esteemed judges as well as an enthusiastic student audience.
​
Judges then probe teams with questions around their business models, revenue streams, scaling strategies, and go-to-market plans.
​
Following thoughtful deliberation, the judges will determine the top three teams to receive equity free funding to fuel their ventures, while the audience selects a crowd favorite.
Congratulations to Zarah Lakhani '24 for securing first place with Vitaliti last year!

2023 Winners
1st Place: Vitaliti
Founders: Zarah Lakhani '24​
​
Carbon Monoxide detector for mold spores
​
​
2nd Place: Socion
Founders: Ted Wind '25
​
The business management platform for influencer agencies
​
3rd Place: Macellum
Founder:Justin Walker '26
​
Give your virtual items value quickly and easily​
​
​
Crowd Favorite: RealtyShare
Founders: Arnaud Attencia '23 (ESADE)
​
Making Real Estate investments accessible to all
​
​
​