The entrepreneurial spirit was in full force at UCLA Anderson on May 19 for the 35th annual Knapp Venture Competition Finals. Five UCLA Anderson teams pitched their business plans at a shot for funding and access to feedback from successful entrepreneurs and business executives.

Kulisha, a for-profit company aiming to increase food security through the development of a high-quality commercial grade fish feed, was the winner of the $15,000 grand prize. The winning team is comprised of Suchintya Dandapat ’17 and Arjun Paunrana. The runner up prize of $7,500 was awarded to Chris Rose ’16 and Meredith Nussbaum ’16 of Ariento, a cybersecurity firm targeting small businesses seeking affordable security monitoring solutions. The competition’s judging panel featured Anderson’s own alumni entrepreneurs including Kelsey Doorey ’13, founder and CEO of Vow to be Chic and 2013 Knapp Venture Competition champion; Aaron Hirschhorn ’05, founder and CEO of DogVacay; and John Tabis ’06, founder and CEO of The Bouqs. Learn more about the three other finalists including Good Gaming, R+D Brew Lab and MedVille.

Inspired by our students pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, we spotlight two alumni entrepreneurs developing solutions to everyday challenges.

Eunice Cho '14, Founder and Creative Director, AELLA

Inspiration
While interviewing for business school, Eunice realized that the casual and comfortable clothes she wore to work in the fashion industry weren't going to cut it in the buttoned-up business world.

Problem
In search of business suits, Eunice found the options for women’s business attire to be conservative, expensive, and uncomfortable.

Solution
Eunice launched AELLA in the fall of 2014 to provide women with pants, blazers, and t-shirts that offer benefits like comfort, dry-fit, and durability.

"I would like AELLA to be a global brand in providing the most comfortable clothing at prices that really make sense for women who are living increasingly busier lives." - Eunice Cho '14

» Read more about Eunice Cho’s founder story.

Dr. Jeff Chang '12, CTO and Co-Founder, Doblet

Inspiration
Jeff's co-founder Doktor Gurson was at a bar in San Francisco charging his phone with an external battery when two guys offered to buy him a beer for a phone charge.

Problem
Charging is not readily available right where and when people need it.

Solution
Doblet is the world’s first fully app-driven portable battery network accessible in bars, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, hotels, libraries, etc. Users can pick up a Doblet, charge their phone, then drop the Doblet back off.

"Doblet will become the mobile power and data network for the rapidly expanding universe of Internet of Things devices, controllers and sensors." - Jeff Chang '12

» Jeff Chang speaks about Silicon Valley and being part of Y Combinator’s summer 2014 batch. Read more

Economics, Entertainment, Leadership & Tech at Alumni Conference

Watch videos from selected Alumni Conference sessions using your alumni logincredentials.

Building a Team for the Next Innovation
Sara Varni Bright '06, SVP of Marketing at Salesforce, discussed effective team building in a fast paced tech environment, addressing themes such as fostering innovation, managing diversity and generating productivity. Watch Now.

Economic Forecast: Ed Leamer, Director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast
Professor Ed Leamer diagnosed the key factors driving the downturn of the global economy, shared his forecast for the U.S. and identified areas that need to be developed in order to incite economic growth. Watch Now.

The Next Experience in Entertainment & Media
Digital media experts from Google VR, LiveNation and Claygate Advisors discussed how technology, including VR, social media and mobile, is shaping entertainment experiences in music, sports and storytelling—enabling a depth of immersion and global access like never before. Watch Now.

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Re-live the Magic at Alumni Reunions

» View photo galleries
» Contribute to your Reunion Class Gift by June 30, 2016

Class of 2009 & 2012 Score Low and Win Big at Alumni Golf Tournament

Congratulations to our 2016 Alumni Golf Tournament champions Casey Winn ’09, David Comfort ’09, Cullen Hilkene ’09 and Perry Wallack. The winning foursome took home both the Anderson Cup (lowest gross score in open division) and the Eddie Merrin Trophy (lowest gross overall). The Class of 2012 foursome of Todd Morris, Javaid Ansari, Zach Friedland, and Calvin Sam (pictured right) repeated as the 2016 Affiliates Cup winners, the honor awarded to a foursome of classmates with the lowest gross score.

Like Anderson Cup on Facebook to view more photos and get tournament updates!

Shawn Hakim '14 Wants to Light up an Entire Country

More than 9 million citizens of the Dominican Republic face daily blackouts, including impoverished children who often arrive to a dark home with no light to study with. While attending UCLA Anderson, Shawn Hakim ’14 read an article about how solar lanterns were improving the daily lives of people around the world. He shared his findings with his soon to be co-founder Jacqueline Gallardo while on a trip to Panama. Within a few months, they started the social enterprise Esenciales J.S. SRL with the goal of illuminating the entire Dominican Republic with solar lanterns, providing those who live off the grid with a basic human need–light. Read more about Shawn’s endeavors to bring light and prosperity to the country.

Deborah Chew '15 Uses Business School to Make More Sustainable Change

Nine years ago, Deborah Chew ’15 co-founded Project Happy Feet to support the education of children and youth in Cambodia. Since then, Project Happy Feet has raised more than half a million dollars and supported more than 5,000 children in Cambodia, India, Nepal, Phillipines, Singapore and Vietnam. Since completing the UCLA Anderson Global Executive MBA program in 2015, she has utilized the skill set and leadership insights she acquired at business school to re-examine the framework with which to structure not only her organization but also how developing frameworks could empower other charities and non-profits to operate in a more effective and productive manner. Read more about Deborah’s thoughts on CSR efforts and what "drive change" means to her.