Student entrepreneurs’ success in global business competition
Published on 24 April 13
A team of three Manchester Business School students have enjoyed success in the world’s largest business plan competition, picking up three prizes.
The trio won first prize in the Shark Tank round, first in the Start-up Company Showcase and third in the Best Elevator Pitch. They were also awarded $2,750 to help develop their business. Team members Matthias Schmid, David Reetz and Shiraz Anwar set up their business Kaffeination Ltd in 2012. Their product is caffeinated energy sweets called UPs Solid Energy – an idea formulated when they were studying late one night.
Shiraz commented: “It was great to compete on such a high level. We learned so much in just one week and are now well-prepared to pitch to investors and venture capitalists. We’ve made a huge step forward. We’ve also made some great contacts and spoken to some potential investors.”
David commented: “It was fantastic to see everyone enjoying our product – even the judging panel were eating them throughout the competition!”
In February 2013 the team won the European final of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) International Business Plan Competition and in 2012 they were crowned winners of Manchester Business School’s annual business start-up competition, Venture Further.
David added: “Our success is as a result of great support and mentoring from the Enterprise Centre at Manchester Business School, and the experience we’ve gained participating in the international business plan competitions.”