The Launch Pad

09/04/2026

Meet Gabby Arancio ('17), founder and CEO of GamePlan Skincare. Her brand makes performance hygiene products for athletes, sitting right at the intersection of skincare and sports performance.

Before starting GamePlan, Gabby spent years working as an Athletic Trainer in SEC Football, including right here at Miami. It was on the sidelines that she found a problem she couldn't stop thinking about, and eventually couldn't ignore.

Since launching, GamePlan has built a loyal community around one hero product, pitched at the Super Bowl, and now ships to all 50 states. Gabby credits a lot of that growth to staying patient and building the brand first, before rushing to innovate.

Now she's bringing that journey back to campus through The Launch Pad. Swipe through to hear her story, plus her advice for future founders
https://www.gameplanskincare.com/

09/02/2026

DATE UPDATE: The next Virtual Alumni Founder Meetup is coming up on September 10 from 1–2 PM!

Join fellow UM alumni founders to connect, share what you’re working on, and learn more about the UM startup ecosystem. This event is open to all UM alumni!

Rsvp here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/f94c9c5113eb4bce2642ff79c4759edc?r=use1

08/28/2026

Welcome back, Launch Pad team! Yesterday we got together for our Welcome Back Staff Retreat to kick off another semester of working, learning, and building together 🚀

08/27/2026

Meet Carson Irving, founder of StyGuide and a UM student studying Entrepreneurship & Finance.

StyGuide connects users with style coaches for personalized fashion advice, helping make personal styling more accessible and affordable. From navigating setbacks during development to launching the platform and earning its first revenue, Carson shares the journey behind building StyGuide.

Read all about StyGuide, Carson’s experience as a founder, and what he’s learned along the way in this Q&A.

08/26/2026

Today The Launch Pad is thrilled to celebrate its 18th birthday! 🎂

18 years of innovation, entrepreneurship, and bringing ideas to life at the U.

Here’s to what’s next! 🚀

08/25/2026

A little look back at Launch Day!

We welcomed students, faculty, and alumni into The Launch Pad to meet our team, learn more about our resources, check out our coworking space, and connect with other members of the UM community.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

08/25/2026

A little look back at Launch Day 🚀

We welcomed students, faculty, and alumni into The Launch Pad to meet our team, learn more about our resources, check out our coworking space, and connect with other members of the UM community.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and made the day so much fun!

08/24/2026

Startup Networking Night is back!

Join us Tuesday, September 1 from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Shalala Student Center for an evening of meeting founders, investors, and fellow Canes.

Come meet new people, make connections, and learn more about what’s happening in the Miami startup community. Complimentary food will be provided!

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPbPKCKQPpqSSPA0c94kM8yjGuLC2VReaNB5phdVtq7JJ3kw/viewform

In collaboration with: uStart - University of Miami Entrepreneurship Club, University of Miami Business School, University of Miami College of Engineering, and

Join us on: Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM @ Shalala Student Center Lakeside Terrace (3rd floor) Please complete this form prior to attending the event!

08/24/2026

Startup Networking Night is back!

Join us Tuesday, September 1 from 6:30–8:00 PM at the Shalala Student Center for an evening of meeting founders, investors, and fellow ‘Canes.

Come meet new people, make connections, and learn more about what’s happening in the Miami startup community. Complimentary food will be provided!

RSVP using the QR code or the link in our bio.

We hope to see you there!

In collaboration with uStart Entrepreneurship Club UMiami Cane Angel Network University of Miami Business School University of Miami College of Engineering

08/21/2026

Want to see a founder’s day behind the scenes? Meet Mackensie

Mackensie is a freelance social media manager and brand strategist, and she’s giving us a look into her business, her routine, and what she’s learned along the way.

Here’s what she has to say:

"Hi!! I'm Mackensie, a freelance social media manager and brand strategist who helps brands build an online presence that actually feels like them, from strategy to content to the day to day management.

One thing that's shaped how I run my business: Sam, the head of TLP, taught me the idea of Protected Time, setting aside time every day that's just for you, no work, no clients, just space to recharge. It sounds simple but it has changed how I show up for the people I work with.

Follow along for the series, and if you're a brand looking for someone to run your socials, my inbox is open! 🤍"
debello on Instagram