LSBU graduate wins pitching competition final
London South Bank University (LSBU) recently held its annual 'pitching competition' live final, which saw a former LSBU student emerging as the winnerFor the live competition, run by LSBU's Enterprise team, students and graduates were given the chance to pitch their business ideas in front of an expert panel and audience, in a bid to win a £500 cash injection for their business.
The winner of the competition was Alleo Gordon, an LSBU Alumnus and founder of 'That Natural Stuff'- a beverage company specialising in fresh natural juices and smoothies.
"We use nutritional research to give you the best choices of fresh natural themed juices and smoothies to cater to your every need whether it may be based on moods, energy, illness or health," Alleo explains, and adds:
"I honestly did not expect to win - the competition was very stiff, they all were so very passionate and knowledgeable about their businesses so I was shocked.
"The money I won today will go strictly towards acquiring equipment that the business need, so we can be ready to begin to trade in summer."
The audience at the finals were also given the opportunity to pick their favourite: Jonathan Walker, who founded Be Sharp Performing Arts Academy, took home the audience prize – a £50 Amazon voucher and a free mentoring package.
Other pitching competition finalists included Simon Powell whose company Fit2Trip, provides travel insurance for people with health conditions; Elena Miruna Mirica, owner of mobile massage therapy service Shangri-La Chirapsia; Christopher Underdown, and his new social music platform Choosic, as well as Korim Uddin, creator of the 'Roadworthy Bike bag'.
Special guest Paul Young, Business Development Director at CrowdMission Limited delivered a keynote speech, providing the pitching finalists and entrepreneurial members in the audience with tips on sourcing of funding for SME's, advice on how to seek funding and how to best present your business idea to potential investors.
"The event was really great to attend, the competition was tough and at times it was tense to watch, but attending has really inspired to move forward with my own business idea," commented BSc Baking Technology Management student Beverley Fields, who attended the event.
Find out more about Enterprise at LSBU.