Alumni

Having launched their respective beverage companies during the pandemic, MBA students Victoria Brodsky (’23) and Emily Smith (’22) are pouring their way into the extremely competitive beverage world. Victoria is founder & CEO of DrinkLyte, which produces a ready-to-drink, recovery and rehydration regimen. Emily is founder and CEO of nuFYX, which produces an 100% plant-based powder using clean protein. Both hit a crossroads when COVID-19 struck but tapped Anderson resources to help them successfully navigate their journeys. Both entrepreneurs were also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal on its list of 20 in Their 20s entrepreneurs.

Easton Technology Management Center is bringing great minds and ideas together. Aiming to solve real-world problems through technology, its Innovation Challenge  is bringing a multidisciplinary set of UCLA students together to provide learning and support to get new businesses off the ground. Bluefin Foods' founders Keith David ('21) and Taissa Maleh ('21) knew they needed to balance out their team with science expertise. Through the Challenge, they recruited several Ph.D. candidates and scientists. “There’s so much value in working together—polishing the idea and design, and getting feedback in the competition—the closest thing to actually pitching VCs and investors,” said Keith.