MBA Start-up PROFILES

These MBA grads are hoping to make a real difference as entrepreneurs

Buoy

MBA Program: Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis Industry: Food and Beverage Founding Student: Daniel Schindler, MBA ’ 19 Idea: 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Buoy makes every kind of drink more hydrating without changing taste or calorie and sugar count. It’s like a hydration amplifier for your drink – but instead of an ‘on’ switch, all you have to do is squeeze. Oh, and we also threw some vitamins and antioxidants in there. Same drink, same taste, just better.

How the MBA helped: Olin helped me gain experience in many different fields, all of which I deal with as the CEO of Buoy. Even more beneficial than that were the startup classes taught by Cliff Holekamp and the mentorship he provided, as well as a course at Olin called Defining Moments, in which CEOs come into class and talk about their journeys. Funding Dollars: $100,000

Civic Champs, Inc.

MBA Program: Indiana University Kelley, School of Business Industry: B2B Software Founding Student: Ryan Underdahl

Idea: Civic Champs is a social enterprise with a mission to create a frictionless volunteering experience for both volunteers and nonprofit organizations. We aim to streamline volunteer management so service organizations spend less time on manual clerical tasks and more time on what really matters.

How the MBA helped: Kelley significantly shaped not only our business but how I think asan entrepreneur. I had the opportunity to learn from a number of dynamic professors who brought real-world experiences to the coursework and helped me identify opportunities, understand the intricacies of starting and growing a business, and gave me the tools to strategically tackle the issues I face every day. Funding Dollars: $366,00

Dear Black Women

MBA Program: University of Michigan, Ross School of Business Industry: Community, Wellness Founding Student: Florence Noel, MBA, MSI

Idea: Dear Black Women (DBW) is an affirmation movement and network, offline and online, where Black women heal, connect, and grow. We are a B2C social impact venture that specializes in curating offline and online spaces that create community and increase the social capital of Black women.

How the MBA helped: I came to business school to take advantage of every opportunity for young entrepreneurs. And I do mean every. I understood that the right MBA program would be a remarkable opportunity to incubate an idea, receive support from the best minds and secure seed investment. My time at Michigan provided me with all of that and so much more; delivering invaluable momentum for my business. Funding Dollars: $85,000