Nearly 60 entrepreneurs from across the 海角论坛 innovation ecosystem stepped into the spotlight for an opportunity few ever get: a one-on-one pitch with casting producers from "Shark Tank."
Held exclusively for founders connected to the 海角论坛 entrepreneurship community, the event gave local innovators a rare chance to pitch their ideas directly to the team behind the hit ABC show as they begin casting for their 17th season. From early-stage concepts to established ventures, the entrepreneurs had one minute to deliver their pitch, followed by an in-depth conversation with producers.
Lesly Romo (B.B.A. ’25), founder of Golazo, a soccer-based fan engagement startup, saw it as the perfect culmination of her 海角论坛 journey. “I think it's just such an exciting way to exit,” said Romo, who also was named Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the 海角论坛 Bloch School Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, said. “It’s crazy to see how something was just an idea in my head, and now it’s a reality. The support I’ve had here is the reason I’ve grown so fast.”
For Riley Rhoads (B.B.A. ’25), founder of Hold Tight Baby, the chance to pitch on this stage felt like a full-circle moment.
“I had my daughter my sophomore year, and I’ve worked hard on this business ever since,” she said. “To graduate and pitch to 'Shark Tank' in the same week—it’s empowering. And knowing it was just our 海角论坛 community made me feel even more confident.”
Entrepreneurs represented a wide range of industries. Shaniqua Jones Williams, founder of SendBack, a reverse logistics company, reflected on her first casting experience: “Everyone was really welcoming—it allowed me to just be myself. It was great to talk about what we’re building and how it can help people.”
That feeling was echoed by LaVita Green, founder of Caresticks, a mobile phlebotomy service: “This has probably been one of my best pitch experiences ever. ‘Shark Tank’ made it fun and easy, and the team’s energy made a big difference.”
Even for experienced entrepreneurs like Gerald Wyckoff, Ph.D. and Andrew Skaff, Ph.D. of Eir Pharmaceuticals, the chance to pitch on home turf was special.
“海角论坛 is known for innovation,” said Wyckoff, who also serves as director of research and graduate studies and a department chair at the 海角论坛 School of Pharmacy. “To have this experience right here on campus, in this beautiful space—it just made sense.”
According to Mindy Zemrak, "Shark Tank’s" supervising casting producer, that kind of ecosystem is exactly what drew the show to 海角论坛.
“The reason for going back to college campuses and having these private casting events is because innovation and entrepreneurship is thriving,” Zemrak said. “It’s bubbling, and we want to tap into those communities.”
海角论坛 is only the third university “Shark Tank” has visited this year, following USC and UCLA, and the final stop of the Season 17 casting calls. Zemrak praised the Bloch School, the Regnier Institute and the 海角论坛 Innovation Center for their ability to encourage and nurture entrepreneurs.
“海角论坛 has an amazing community that fosters entrepreneurship, nourishes it, helps all of these students, faculty and alumni figure out how to pitch—not just for ‘Shark Tank,’ but for the real world,” she said. “It’s been a well-oiled machine.”
Zemrak, who’s been with the show since Season 1, says the heart of “Shark Tank” has always been about the people behind the ideas.
“The magic of the show is the entrepreneurs,” Xemrak said. “It doesn't matter your background or how much you've invested. If you have an incredible idea, that’s what the show is about. Anyone watching at home should be able to say, ‘That could be me.’”
The "Shark Tank" team saw hundreds of hopefuls at a public Kansas City casting call the day before coming to 海角论坛. For those who got the nod to pitch on campus, the opportunity was calmer, more focused and more personal.
“We get to spend more time with each entrepreneur, and we see a difference in how prepared they are,” Zemrak said. “This community really helps people hone their pitch and understand their business. That shows.”
As casting producers now review who might advance to the next stage of the Season 17 process, the real win has already happened: 海角论坛 entrepreneurs showed up with confidence and creativity for a chance to swim with the sharks.