J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge

join us for lsu's only live pitch competition

Pitch it for a chance to win startup capital in the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge. This system-wide business plan competition is open to all on-campus LSU students and alumni (graduated within the last year) no matter their majors. Three finalists are selected to pitch for a share of startup cash in the final round in this Shark Tank-style event.

For more than a decade, the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge has helped LSU students launch and grow businesses. Whether you are operating a business or developing an idea but don't have business experience, this competition is for you.

The competition has played a pivotal role in launching successful businesses. Mallard Bay, an online marketplace for hunting and fishing trips, earned third place in 2021. The company recently announced the closure of its $4.6 million funding round. Suds Laundry Service, an app that offers the pickup and delivery of quick laundry services for commercial and residential customers, won second place in 2019. Suds received $75,000 at the 2023 Demo Day, an event hosted by Pharrell Williams' nonprofit Black Ambition.

For questions about the event or to be added to an email list about optional preparatory workshops and events, please contact Fahimeh Abbasi.