UCLA Anderson Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Congratulations to the 2024 graduates of the UCLA Johnson & Johnson Health Care Executive Program (HCEP)! Now in its 23rd year, this program offers leadership and management development training to executives of non-profit, community-based healthcare organizations serving medically underserved areas and populations nationwide.

This year, nine UCLA Anderson School of Management students played a key role in helping these leaders develop change-management plans to address organizational challenges and create positive impacts in their communities.

Dr. Kenneth Orduna (last photo), President & CEO of Central Neighborhood Christian Health Clinics, and our oldest participant at 84 years young, reflected on his experience in the program, saying, "I am grateful to God and the exceptional professors for providing me with new tools, processes, and strategies to...[provide] the best healthcare possible to the ‘least of these,’ with dignity and respect."

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For over 20 years, the UCLA Health Care Institute (HCI), a Price Center program, has used a management systems approach to effectively implement health promotion interventions in Head Start programs. By enhancing leadership and management capacity in organizations that support early childhood needs, HCI empowers families with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to prevent disease and adopt sustainable, healthy lifestyles. Learn more: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/for-professionals/ucla-health-care-institute

Thank you New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department for featuring the program (see below)!
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The Venture Accelerator's alumni family just got a little larger...Huge congratulations to the 2024 Activate Program graduates! Such incredible founders, with the curiosity and drive that made this summer a standout success.

The Activate Program is a dynamic two-month summer experience designed to help founders at the ideation stage. This year, participants were paired with mentors and engaged in professional development workshops. The program covered essential topics such as product-market fit, legal basics, business models, PR, pitch decks, and more!

A special thank you to our incredible speakers and mentors, whose dedication and expertise have been crucial in guiding these startups to new heights.

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Congratulations to the graduates of the 2024 UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program!

This program offers Head Start executives a distinctive opportunity to engage in a 12-day intensive leadership and management development training at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Since its inception in 1991, the program has trained over 1,700 Head Start directors and managers nationwide.

Thank you to all who made this program possible, especially our UCLA Anderson School of Management TAs: Polet Bagatourian ('25), Sofia DeMay ( 25), Dominique King ('25), Saavan Kumar, ('24), Ziwei Li ('24), Jason Park ('24), Lin Phyu Sin ('24), and Angelica S. ('25).

Optimizing team productivity is crucial for founders. A study by UCLA Anderson School of Management professors reveals how different meeting strategies affect efficiency.

From flexible, worker-driven schedules for small teams to structured intervals for larger ones, adapting your approach can save time and boost output.
Read more: https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/entrepreneurs/

Thoughts? Any tips for fellow founders?

READ MORE: https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/entrepreneurs/

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Time Management for Startups: Entrepreneurs Act as if Future Hours Aren’t Worth Much - UCLA Anderson Review Research adapts big-company operational knowledge to smaller organizations

EXTENDED DEADLINE to the UCLA Innovation Showcase! Apply by Monday, July 22nd for a chance to be in the 2024 cohort.

Apply: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-entrepreneurship-innovation/anderson-venture-accelerator/showcase-2024

Perfect your pitch in our two-month program from September to October. The 10 founders in the Showcase cohort will receive one-on-one mentorship to prepare for our exclusive Demo Day, where they will pitch to win prizes and investments, demo products, and network with industry leaders!

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Welcome and congratulations to the Venture Accelerator's new Summer Activate Cohort!

The Accelerator's summer program features a diverse cohort of 43 startups spanning industries such as healthcare, B2B tech, consumer digital, cleantech, real estate, consumer goods, and finance, with 71 founders from UCLA, UCLA Alumni, and LA community members.

Read more: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/news-and-events/ucla-anderson-venture-accelerator-deepens-cross-campus-collaborations

Meet the Activate cohort:https://emma-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/gy1cb/bb6a632d9f9a07d3613c870fb2779f51/2024_Activate_Companies.pdf

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APPLY NOW for the 2024 UCLA Innovation Showcase!

The UCLA Innovation Showcase, presented by the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson School of Management, is an intensive two-month pitch program running from September to October. Founders receive weekly one-on-one coaching from investors and mentors, leading up to a grand demo day at Google Venice where they have the opportunity to win cash prizes and awards. This invite-only event is attended by early-stage investors, UCLA alumni, faculty, and media from the LA entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Apply:https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-entrepreneurship-innovation/anderson-venture-accelerator/showcase-2024
Deadline: July 19th, 11:59PM PST

Who can apply?
- Current UCLA founders & alumni
- Pre-seed & seed stage
- Industry-agnostic with a focus on health, climate, AI/ML, and deep tech

If you qualify for the second round of the application process, you MUST attend the in-person pitch tryout on August 20th. See application for more info and important dates!

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🎉 Congratulations to Rashida Kamal on her retirement! 🎉

After an incredible journey that began with the Y2K project at UCLA in 1999, Rashida has been a cornerstone of our community, especially since she joined UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2008. Her dedication, warmth, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on everyone she’s worked with.

From handling contracts and grants to managing the Price Center and serving as executive assistant to Elaine Hagan, Associate Dean of Entrepreneurial Initiatives, Rashida has been a true professional and a cherished colleague.

Rashida's Future Plans:
- Learning to play the electric bass guitar
- Traveling and enjoying new adventures
- Spending quality time with friends and family
- Watching her favorite shows and staying up as late as she wants
- Enjoying the luxury of no more commutes and long work hours

Join us in celebrating Rashida and wishing her all the best in her exciting new chapter!

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This , we've been highlighting resources for the entrepreneurial community in the Venture Accelerator's weekly newsletter! Sign up to learn about pitch competitions, networking events, and more from our partners across LA and virtually.
Sign Up: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1981088/1808790

Did you know? "LGBTQ-owned businesses are just as likely to apply for financing as non-LGBTQ-owned businesses but less likely to receive it, according to Federal Reserve data from 2021 and 2022" (NerdWallet).
Grants and Resources for LGBTQIA Founders: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/lgbtq-small-business-grants

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Proud to see the incredible progress of Veronica Pellegrino, RN & Founder of Popsy, over the past year with her innovative pill-pack-opening device that enhances efficiency, comfort, and safety for nurses.

As a true embodiment of a cross-campus entrepreneur at UCLA, in 2023 she pitched her idea at the Venture Accelerator's UCLA Innovation Showcase, secured third place in the Healthcare track of the Easton Technology Management Center's Innovation Challenge, won second place in the UCLA School of Law Lowell Milken Institute Prize for New Entrepreneurs, AND was a UCLA Biodesign Accelerator fellow. Excited for her bright entrepreneurial future!

Watch her pitch: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/anderson-venture-accelerator/showcase-2023
Read more: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/nurse-invents-pill-pack-opening-device-boost-efficiency

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Nurse invents pill-pack-opening device to boost efficiency, comfort, safety for fellow nurses Breadcrumb Home News & Insights Nurse invents pill-pack-opening device to boost efficiency, comfort, safety for fellow nurses UCLA Health Innovation Challenge, one source of resources and funding, is open to employees, volunteers, patients – anyone with a good idea in health care. Veronica Pellegr...

For , let's delve into the intriguing connection between mental health and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship thrives on diverse perspectives and unique abilities, prompting questions about the strengths individuals with varied experiences may bring. Research suggests successful entrepreneurs often exhibit traits linked to specific mental health challenges, sparking curiosity about their impact on business success.

This discussion has practical implications, potentially inspiring innovative approaches and offering alternative career paths for those navigating traditional work environments. For instance, entrepreneurship education has empowered individuals, including military veterans and those in challenging circumstances, to overcome barriers and find fulfillment in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Read More: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26528547

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MENTAL DISORDERS IN THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTEXT on JSTOR JOHAN WIKLUND, ISABELLA HATAK, HOLGER PATZELT, DEAN A. SHEPHERD, MENTAL DISORDERS IN THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTEXT, Academy of Management Perspectives, Vol. 32, No. 2 (May 2018), pp. 182-206

Congratulations to all the incredible entrepreneurs who made the UCLA Alumni Association's 2024 Bruin Business 100 List, recognizing exceptional UCLA business owners that inspire innovation and expand the Bruin network.

Read more: https://alumni.ucla.edu/bruin-business-100-2024/

Special Shoutout to all our UCLA Anderson School of Management and Venture Accelerator companies featured.

CONSUMER PRODUCTS:
- Gift of the Nile
- Gorilla Marketing
- Archive Rentals
- Besa mi Vino
- Sake High
- Furiosa Flowers
- Friendly Bee Game Company

EDUCATION: Fit Kids America

ENVIRONMENTAL:
- Active Membranes
- Electro Scan Inc.
- Undesert Corporation
- InCharge Energy

FINANCIAL SERVICES:
- Atala Financial
- Bull Oak
- Democracy Investments

FOOD, BEV, & HOSPITALITY:
- Jiant Hard Tea
- Trail Marker Wine Company
- Wine Not Co.
- YoBe

HEALTHCARE: Athos Therapeutics Inc

HR: Treehouse Partners

MANUFACTURING: sourceM

MARKETING & MEDIA:
- ECG Marketing
- Mustard & Moxie

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:
- Black Tower Group
- LightWerks Communication Systems
- LooseEnds Inc
- Roaming Hunger
- Star

REAL ESTATE: Refugios Australes

SOFTWARE: Bevz

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Bruin Business 100 - 2024 - UCLA Alumni Gorilla Marketing proudly presents the Bruin Business 100 which recognizes exceptional UCLA alumni entrepreneurs. These alumni are founders, owners and visionaries in business that have inspired innovation and expanded the Bruin network. Thank you to our presenting partner Gorilla Marketing, and our...

Congratulations to the finalists of the Knapp Venture Competition! Your hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit have truly shone through.

🏆 1st Place ($40k): Happy Heartbeats
Remote pregnancy monitoring solutions for high-risk pregnancies.

🥈 2nd Place ($25k): LEADOFF
AI-driven platform for personalized sales coaching.

🥉 3rd Place ($15k): RING BEAR
The first carbon-neutral brand for men's wedding bands and gifts.

🏅 4th Place (Tie) ($10k): Arena Sports
Esports distribution platform for streaming tournaments.
🏅 4th Place (Tie) ($10k): Twig AI
SaaS platform simplifying autonomous technology adoption.

Special recognition to our audience choice fast pitch participants:
🏆 Winner ($1k): OpalAi
Creating digital twins and maps for indoor navigation.
🥈 Runner-Up ($500): Blaze Power
Next-gen battery materials for sustainable EVs.

We are excited to see the continued growth and success of these exceptional ventures!

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to Yosh Miller, Founder of Hadley and participant in the Venture Accelerator program, for his recent segment on WTSP-TV discussing how all Americans can take advantage of their 529 accounts, a powerful tax-advantaged savings tool. Hadley helps match you to the right state's 529 plan for your needs!

Watch now: https://www.wtsp.com/video/features/great-day-live/invest-in-your-kids/67-e314b497-2985-4c87-8e01-2020a60fb80c

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Invest in your kids GDL talks with financial and college saving expert Yosh Miller about how parents can take advantage of tax-free college saving programs like 529s.

Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it's about building a community that supports and empowers each other to succeed.

That is precisely what the Venture Accelerator’s Annual Alumni Mixer represents for us: growing and supporting the LA entrepreneurial ecosystem. We hosted UCLA Alumni Association, investors, community partners, and founders for networking, along with an educational panel discussion featuring prominent UCLA VC and Angel investors.

Panelists include Moderator Sienna Jackson ('23) from Zoran Creative Strategy and Nortera.io; Jennifer Kwan Mandelbaum from Halogen Ventures; Jennifer Pullen ('07) from Zenn Capital; Brian Mac Mahon from Expert Dojo; and Lawrence Ham ('22) from Anderson Angels.

Plus, samples from some of our amazing companies including VITAVATE, Unisoy Plant-Based Jerky, ELIMS, Gourmais®, and Capturely!

Thank you to Expert DOJO for hosting, along with our sponsors Anderson Angels and The League!
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What are the best strategies for funneling venture capital to underserved founders?

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/MdTrm9IwqvU?si=me-A7vk42p2x_0RX

The Venture Accelerator, alongside UCLA Bruin Professionals and California NanoSystems Institute, hosted a Women's History Month Founders and Funders Reception to shed light on the gender disparity in venture funding. The evening featured a screening of the new documentary Show Her The Money, followed by the Producers Panel: Women Investors Across Asset Class, which focused on investment biases and fostering inclusivity in the venture ecosystem.

Featured Panelists: Azin Radsan van Alebeek (’92), Catherine Gray, Yolla S. Kairouz, Madeline Darcy, and Julie Sina (moderator)

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Yes, Women Invest Across Asset Classes! What are the best strategies for funneling venture capital to underserved founders? UCLA Bruin Professionals, CNSI Magnify and the Venture Accelerator at UCL...

“I’m hoping over the next couple of years to integrate UCLA Anderson School of Management's Business Creation Program with our undergraduate minor in entrepreneurship. Undergraduates would benefit tremendously from involvement with MBA students, and MBA students would benefit from the opportunity to manage and lead.”
— Professor Olav Sorenson, Faculty Director, UCLA Anderson Business Creation Program
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/news-and-events/startup-culture

The application deadline for the Venture Accelerator's Activate Program has been EXTENDED to April 30th, 11:59 PM PST! Don't miss your chance to be part of our UCLA entrepreneurial community!

Apply Now: http://ucla.startuptree.co/event/s/T7HLcEecobUvbTXY2svHRU/-Summer-Activate-Program

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Operations management deeply impacts individual well-being, from productivity to pollution. by UCLA Professor Charles Corbett stresses the need for holistic approaches that prioritize human welfare and urges practitioners to consider social perspectives for healthier work environments.

Discussion Question: What advice would you give fellow founders on operations management and fostering a healthy workplace culture? Any pitfalls to avoid?

Read more in the UCLA Anderson School of Management: https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/business-efficiency-neednt-be-the-enemy-of-personal-and-public-well-being/

Business Efficiency Needn’t Be the Enemy of Personal and Public Well-Being - UCLA Anderson Review Operations managers can take into consideration happiness, equity and sustainability

Happy 🌎 Day!
Lucky to have the most beautiful campus here at UCLA.

UCLA Anderson School of Management

Congratulations to Sagar Pande (FEMBA '25) for pitching his company Blaze Power in the 2024 Rice Business Plan Competition! Out of 450 applicants, Blaze was one of 42 teams selected to compete in Houston, Texas. Blaze Power, a company in the Venture Accelerator’s 2024 Accelerate Program, addresses the lithium battery supply chain problem by producing low-cost LFP cathodes using new chemistry and customized cell design.

Additionally, Blaze was selected by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center as a Catalyst Program awardee, which will support the development of their iron-based cathodes for safer and more efficient electric vehicle batteries.

We're proud to have founders like Sagar in the UCLA community!

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Congratulations to Pavel Azeletskiy ('22) and his company VSOptima on establishing partnerships with leading technology service providers, including NTT Data and Mphasis, to consolidate efforts in bringing process digital twin technology to the market. VSOptima is a SaaS platform for digital twin process optimization, accelerating the decision-making cycle.

The company recently implemented a pilot for a large retail company in Canada, creating 200 store operations digital twins, and has progressed to the final round of the esteemed Creative Destruction Lab Accelerator, marking a significant milestone in their development. Additionally, they conducted an exclusive workshop for the Ohio State University Center of Operational Excellence, focusing on value stream simulation and operations digital twin technologies.

Amazing growth and progress from our Accelerator alum! 🚀
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Applications are NOW open for the Venture Accelerator’s Summer Activate Program! 🚀

Takes less than 10 minutes to apply: http://ucla.startuptree.co/event/s/T7HLcEecobUvbTXY2svHRU/-Summer-Activate-Program
Deadline: April 27, 11:59 PM PST

ABOUT:
• Two-month program: July-August
• In-person with hybrid participation if necessary
• Weekly workshops covering funding, legal, marketing, & more
• Access to professional service providers
• Eligibility for software credits
• Access to co-working space
• Networking events & connection to the UCLA & Anderson community

GOALS:
• Validate problem-solution
• Test product-market fit
• Determine customer segment & competition
• Post-Activate: Founders are equipped to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) & apply to the immersive, five-month Accelerate Program

ELIGIBILITY:
• UCLA students, alumni, & the Los Angeles community with startups at the idea-stage or prototype-stage
• Industry agnostic with a focus in healthcare, cleantech, & tech-enabled businesses

More details: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/anderson-venture-accelerator/our-programs


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Apply for the Steinbeck Family Business Seminar!

The Price Center offers a comprehensive program encompassing over 19 hours of instruction and networking tailored for privately held businesses, covering topics such as succession, estate planning, teamwork, private equity, tax changes, and more.

Former speakers have included families from iconic brands such as Porto's Bakery, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, Galpin Motors, James Bond, and more. This year's keynote speakers include Mark Kelegian, Randy's Donuts, Alex Canter, Nextbite by sbe and Canter's Deli, and Ryan Sung, Honolulu Cookie Company.

Who can apply? Family-owned or closely held businesses affiliated with UCLA or members of the community.

Application: https://salesforceintegration.formtitan.com/ftproject/steinbeck-family-business-seminar
Rolling admissions, but spots are limited and may sell out.
Event Dates: April 25th-26th

More info: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/for-professionals/steinbeck-family-business-seminar

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Crafting Your Brand’s Story - Podcast Episode

Rod Kurtz, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at the Venture Accelerator, shares his journey from corporate media to entrepreneurial storytelling on SmallBusinessEdge.com with Brian Moran.

He highlights the power of authentic storytelling in building a compelling brand narrative and provides insights into navigating today's market challenges, gathering customer feedback, and introduces his innovative 'bar pitch' technique as an effective alternative to the traditional elevator pitch.

Check it out!


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Crafting Your Brand's Story: Insights from Rod Kurtz, Entrepreneurial Storyteller - The Small Business Edge Podcasts https://media.blubrry.com/smallbusinessedge/content.blubrry.com/smallbusinessedge/Small_Biz_Edge-Episode_125_Rod_Kurtz.mp3 In This Episode: Rod Kurtz, entrepreneur, and storyteller, shares his journey from corporate media to entrepreneurship and emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling in buil...

Celebrating Success: Mentor-Founder Spotlight

Great piece on current Accelerate founder Rondale Davis ('23), Grad Pad, by his very own Venture Accelerator Mentor Robert Mowry, covering his win in Act House's recent pitch competition along with the importance of community in the current LA entrepreneurial landscape.

Read more: https://www.losangeles.org/p/communitys-influence-driving-venture
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Community's Influence: Driving Venture and Business Growth What makes folks stand out is how dedicated they are to building communities. When people feel included, they eagerly help and refer friends, driving momentum.

UPCOMING EVENT - UCLA Founder & Funder Reception!

Date: Thursday, March 21st, 4 p.m. PST
Register: https://alumni.ucla.edu/event/ucla-founders-and-funders-event/
Location: California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA
Entry: $20

In honor of , join us for a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Show Her The Money and a panel discussion on the persistent challenge of accessing capital and resources for underserved founders. Stick around for cocktails and networking with LA's startup community!

Producers Panel: Women Investors Across Asset Class
- Moderator: Julie Sina, Associate Vice Chancellor, Alumni Affairs & CFO, The Ucla Foundation & Investment Company
- Azin Radsan van Alebeek ('92), Co-Founder & General Partner, Emmeline Ventures
- Catherine Gray, Producer, Show Her The Money & CEO, She Angel Investors
- Yolla S. Kairouz, MBA-JD, Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
- Madeline Darcy, Managing Partner, Kaya Ventures & Co-Chair, LA Chapter of All Raise

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Challenging Assumptions: The Link Between Experience and Entrepreneurial Success

Innovation isn't solely about experience—it's about collaboration and fresh ideas. Christopher Esposito , Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA Anderson School of Management, challenges the notion that older inventors always hold the key to innovation. He suggests that younger collaborators, aged 35-44, often contribute the most valuable insights, particularly in fast-moving fields like technology.

Learn more: https://anderson-review.ucla.edu/a-case-against-experience-as-a-central-driver-of-innovation/
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A Case Against Experience as a Central Driver of Innovation - UCLA Anderson Review Are older inventors weighed down by obsolete knowledge? Young inventors don’t carry that burden