Pomona Ventures

SageTank 2022 is in 11 days!

The Pomona Ventures organization extends an open invitation to its annual SageTank competition, hosted at Pomona College on April 30, 2022 from 1-4pm. Based on the tv series’ Shark Tank ABC, startups pitch to Venture Capitalists for the chance of receiving funding.

Our competition features seven startups founded by Claremont Colleges student and alumni. They will compete to receive funding and one-on-one sessions with Venture Capital firms Tech Coast Angels, Contrary, Wonder Ventures, Crescent Fund, among others. If they're excited about a particular Startup, each VC is willing to offer up to $40k!

The winners are selected by five esteemed judges—Gemma Bulos , Matt Thompson, Miles T. Bird, Jamil Karriem, and Steve Barsh—who have rich backgrounds in Startups, Venture Capital, and social impact.

If you’re interested in attending SageTank (in-person and virtual options available), please visit the eventbite

Sage Tank Inspired by the TV series Shark Tank, SageTank by Pomona Ventures is the largest startup pitch competition hosted at the Claremont Colleges.

New blog post is up!! Written by Eshanya Agarwal (PO'25)

"The time to innovate is in college! In the famous words of our soon-to-graduate Head at PV, Nanea: “This is literally the last time you will find yourself around so many people your age. Make the most of it.” A recent study backs this quote and showcases how undergrad is the best time to spearhead start-ups. Say you have an idea, and you want to build a company: specialized human capital is readily available- your coding friend from Harvey Mudd, the finance bro from Claremont Mckenna, an environmentalist from Pitzer, the activist from Scripps with the Pomona world-changing attitude (I apologize for conforming to the stereotypes but you know it’s true!) can work in creative collaboration to build incredible projects."

Check out the whole piece here ✨ https://linktr.ee/pomonaventures

PV's first blog of 2022 is UP!! Here's an excerpt of the blog, written by Serena Lin (PO'25)

"Start Somewhere!
When I asked the panel (of entrepreneurs) about what they learned from setbacks and challenges they faced in their career, one of them responded with, "I'd rather live a life of oh wells than what-ifs.” The takeaway is: put yourself out there and explore! Even when the outcome is not what you were looking for, you’ve gained valuable experience. "

Find the whole piece here ✨
https://linktr.ee/pomonaventures

Introducing the Pomona Ventures team! Innovative, brilliant AND photogenic 😏

SageTank 2022 applications are now open!

Are you a Claremont Colleges student or alumni? Looking for a platform to pitch your startup/startup idea? Apply to SageTank 2022, hosted by Pomona Ventures at Pomona College on April 30, 2022 (Alumni Weekend).

Inspired by abc’s Shark Tank, SageTank is the largest pitching competition hosted at the Claremont Colleges. Students and alumni pitch to a panel of Venture Capitalists to receive funding and one-on-one mentorship. To prepare for the pitch in the weeks leading up to the competition, you’ll receive feedback from a startup founder who’s been in your shoes.

As part of Pomona Ventures’ mission to foster entrepreneurship, we accept startups ranging from just a savvy business idea to a fully operating company (with three years or less of operating history).

Apply by March 20, 2022 at 11:59pm t.ly/FDuU

Questions? Email [email protected]

For more information: www.pomonaventures.com/sagetank

Applications for Pomona Ventures are now open!
Interviews will commence September 24 and 25. Apply here: https://forms.gle/PoL6noMrq2T9MpLT6
Here you'll put on our competitions, Sage Tank and Sparkathon, and have access to private club events! Join the PV team and promote entrepreneurship throughout the 5Cs

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🌊🌊🌊 Hey 5Cers, Sage Tank is right around the corner! 🌊🌊🌊

Apply by March 25th, 11:59pm PT at any stage, from a savvy business idea to a fully operating company! https://forms.gle/p869YXHG4ccnBMSt6

🦈 What is Sage Tank? Think ‘Shark Tank,’ but for Pomona ‘Sagehens’. Sage Tank offers 5C students an opportunity to take their startups to the next level, with access to mentorship, funding, and investors. All you need is an idea and we will provide you with mentorship and guidance for pitching your startup!

🦈 After several mentor sessions, on May 1st you’ll pitch to a panel of expert alumni judges who in turn offer feedback and potential investments to the teams.

🦈 Held on Alumni Weekend, Sage Tank attracts interested former students and gives current 5C students invaluable networking opportunities. All 5C students are eligible!

Any Questions? Email [email protected]

Have you signed up to watch TOMORROW’s Sage Tank pitch competition?? It’s not too late!

There will be entertaining pitches, an audience member who wins $25, and lots to learn from the awesome judges.

See you TOMORROW!

Please RSVP via Google Form to reserve a spot on our Zoom call: https://forms.gle/aMtq4S9UXBb1C9Ve9

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3016351978384825

Yet another Sage Tank flashback!! Did you know that a student startup participant in 2018 has since been named on the Forbes30Under30 list ???

Social Cipher was Sage Tank’s 2018 winning team, who created a story-driven video game that gives young people with autism a fun and accessible space to tackle social challenges.

Social Cipher not only has since made the Forbes30Under30 list, they have also been recognized by many groups such as Facebook Gaming, National Geographic, and the
T-Mobile Foundation; the startup is continuing to grow today.

What success might this year’s teams find?? Sign-up for Friday’s event here:
https://forms.gle/aMtq4S9UXBb1C9Ve9

*reminder: by signing up, you might just win $25!*

Let’s take a trip down memory lane of Sage Tank 2019....

Last Spring:

- Our HMC team, BuzzTop took the #1 prize! Today, they are continuing to develop their app while working at Microsoft.

- Our Scripps “Text Me Tampons” team were runner-ups, and are still generating excitement around campus with their business today.

- One CMC team, Hex Labs, was unable to attend Sage Tank but was later awarded the Thiel Fellowship.

We invite PV alumni to share their memories from Sage Tank! Naomi Baer Evan Bograd

Signup for this Friday’s Zoom call event to see what might come of our current pitching teams: https://forms.gle/aMtq4S9UXBb1C9Ve9

If you are on our RSVP list, you will have the chance to win a raffle prize of $25!!

Bored at home?? Not on Friday you won’t be! Join us in 2 DAYS for our virtual Sage Tank competition!!!! See you on Friday from 2 pm to 4:30 pm PST.

Please RSVP via Google Form to reserve a spot on our Zoom call: https://forms.gle/aMtq4S9UXBb1C9Ve9

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3016351978384825