WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 from 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Off The Rails, 90 Commercial St, Worcester, MA
Get ready for an electrifying evening of talent and entertainment at the WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown! Venture Forum is proud to host this inaugural event in partnership with the participating colleges and WorcLab.
Over the course of the evening, eight student run companies will pitch their opportunity to a panel of sharks to try to get one or more of them to allocate real money into their venture. Negotiations will take place in real time on the stage.
Whether you're a student looking to support your peers and school or simply love a good show, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening. So mark your calendars and be prepared to be blown away by the WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown!
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Participating Colleges
How to Participate: Undergraduate Students
If you are a undergraduate student currently enrolled at a participating college or university, please reach out to your respective contact:
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​Clark University – Paul Case, Director, Clark University Entrepreneurship & Innovation
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Holy Cross – Rob Murner, Director & EIR, Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics and Society
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Nichols College – Timothy Liptrap, Chair, Entrepreneurship
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) – Ardian Preci, Director, The Business Development Lab​​
Event Details
The 2024 Inaugural event will be held on April 8, 2025 from 5:00 - 8:30 at Off The Rails Music Venue
Schedule:
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5:00pm - Doors Open and Networking
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5:45pm - Welcome and Opening Remarks
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6:00pm - Pitches - Round One
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7:00pm - Intermission
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7:15pm - Pitches - Round Two
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8:15pm - Final Wrap Up and Awards
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8:30pm - Closing Remarks
Venue:
Off The Rails Music Venue is a premier destination in Worcester, MA, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant sounds of country and Americana music. Our state-of-the-art facilities include a sprawling 20' x 30' stage, a relaxing outdoor patio, and a full-service bar, creating the perfect setting for unforgettable live performances and private events.​
Meet Your Host
A familiar face to the crowd at Hanover Insurance Park, Dave was hired to lead the Bravehearts in October, 2013. He previously served as VP of Sales & Marketing for the Worcester Tornadoes and handled emcee responsibilities for on-field promotions from 2005 - 2010. His 20-year marketing career began as a Promotions Director for 104.5 WXLO in Worcester, and he also worked three years in the advertising industry as an Account Manager for Idea Agency in Sturbridge. He is a 2011 recipient of the Worcester Business Journal's "40 Under Forty" award and was named FCBL Executive of the Year in 2014, 2019, and 2022. You may also find "Peterman" performing his patented "rally dance" when the team is behind in the late innings. [Photo by Jeff Baker]
Meet the Sharks
CEO, Geisel Software
Senior Vice President R&D - Head of Translational Medicine, Program Strategy and Regulatory Affairs
40 years technology marketing & sales exec, angel investor, startup mentor, community volunteer​
Thank you to our Sponsors
Organizer
Venture Forum is a startup community sparking economic growth and job creation by helping entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses in Central Massachusetts, is proud to host the inaugural WooTank – Intercollegiate Showdown event. Over the course of the evening, 8 students run companies will pitch their business opportunity to a panel of investors to try to get one or more them to invest real money into their venture. Negotiations will take place in real time on the stage.
Venture Forum’s vision is for Worcester will be among the next generations of globally competitive startup hubs where tech entrepreneurs can access mentorship, capital, and talent at every stage of entrepreneurial growth.