Landshark Tank Returns to University of Mississippi Campus

Entrepreneurs of all walks have braved the Shark Tank. Next Wednesday, aspiring entrepreneurs will face the University of Mississippi’s equivalent: Landshark Tank.

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is hosting the pitch competition: Landshark Tank. University students will pitch a business idea for two to three minutes in front of an audience of teachers and fellow students.

This can be an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to prep for pitching to investors, lenders and customers and even share holders — and perhaps even the Shark Tank. The audience then vote the winner via texting. First place winner earns $300, the second $150 and $100 to third place winner.

UM junior Mac Williams, courtesy of CIE

Mac Williams, winner of the February 2015 Landshark Tank, said, “I gained the experience of being in a room with some of the most creative people I’ve ever met; the ideas in that room blew my mind. Being involved with CIE helps me to think as if I’m truly an entrepreneur by teaching the process of idea conception to implementation. I was so excited to participate!”

His pitch on his business idea, Safe Haven, was voted to first place last month.

“Students should get involved in future pitch competitions to gain confidence from the challenge of communicating their ideas to complete strangers,” said Williams.

As Williams stated, the experience gained from the Landshark Tank is invaluable.

Maura Wakefield, who works for the CIE, said, “Those who participate in pitch competitions walk away with so much more than just prize money. Everyone gets experience selling their ideas and their experience, which is invaluable. Plus, this is an opportunity to network and collaborate with some of the most creative and innovative minds at Ole Miss.”

The event will take place next Wednesday from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in Room 230 at Holman Hall. All students are welcome.

Callie Daniels is a staff writer for HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.