Georgetown Startup Accelerator Hosts Annual Demo Day
On National Entrepreneur’s Day, Georgetown Entrepreneurship hosted its annual Demo Day to highlight the 13 early-stage startups from Georgetown Startup Accelerator (GSA). The event featured presentations from each startup as well as from keynote speaker Ted Leonsis (C’77, P’14, P’15), founder, chairman, principal, and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
“How fitting that we get to share the compassion, resilience, and ingenuity of these entrepreneurs who create products and businesses that improve our lives on this special day,” said Jeff Reid, founding director of Georgetown Entrepreneurship. “One of the most noble endeavors you can do in your life is to create something of value and share that with the world with ethics the way we learn at Georgetown.”
The startups presented innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. KnoNap, founded by Danya Sherman (MBA’21), is a technology for discreet, rapid drug detection in beverages as a way to educate, empower, and advocate against drug facilitated sexual assault.
Alejandro Correa (C’19) founded Wellness Without Borders, which addresses emerging health needs by connecting Latin American therapists with Spanish speakers in the U.S. based on shared interest, mental health needs, nationality, values, and interest – all at an affordable price.
Share Scoops, Inc. helps young people build the confidence to invest by engaging with interactive news that holds corporations accountable for their social, economic, and environmental impacts. The startup was presented by its founder, Augustus Christensen (C’14).
“The GSA offered compassionate, strategic support, and mentorship at a critical moment in my company’s development. It was an incredibly valuable experience for me and I’m grateful to have been a part of it,” said Christensen.
IntimacyMoons is a luxury couples retreat experience that partners with high-end hotels to provide guests with the coaching and guidance needed from a licensed therapist to deepen their emotional intimacy. Based in Washington, D.C., this company is led by Michael Nelson (G’ 05, C ’04) and Marissa Nelson.
“Demo Day was a game-changer for us in the very best way. The GSA is so well designed and organized which helped put our entire focus on accelerating our business,” said Nelson. “The mentorship was priceless, the workshops were stimulating and insightful, and the community among our cohort was inspiring. It exceeded every expectation.”
The GSA fall cohort represented a diverse range of industries, founder backgrounds, and company locations. As a benefit to being hosted virtually this year, the accelerator was able to work with companies from around the world. A recording of the event can be found here for those unable to attend Demo Day. Early-stage, alumni-founded companies interested in participating in the fall cohort can sign up for more information here.