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. Whether you're eager to compete or simply want to be part of the excitement, come join us!

Save The Date:

April 23, 2026 | 5:00-7:00pm

THE PROCESS

After rigorous screening rounds, 8 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.

THE BREAKDOWN

1. APPLY Application closes March 31st at 11:59 PM

2. SEMI-FINALISTS

If selected, the semifinals are in the evening of Thursday, April 16th

3.PITCH WORKSHOP

Optional Pitch workshop for finalists during the evening of April 21st

4.THE FINALS !

Finals on April 23rd at 6 PM in 245 Beacon Street, Auditorium 107