5 Babson Startups to Watch in 2017
1. Hostel Point
Hostel Point is a booking and social platform that allows users to book hostels based on mutual interests and activities, and communicate with each other before and throughout their trip.
Co-Founders: Leo Robiglio MBA ’17, Ankit Newaskar MBA ’17, Peter Beaton Creech MBA ’17
Co-founder Leo Robiglio has traveled to over 40 countries and stayed in at least a hundred hostels. In his pitch for Hostel Point he says, “The best thing about staying in a hostel is the people, and the worst thing about staying in a hostel is the people.” Hostel Point’s mission is to facilitate the best travel experiences by connecting people from around the world.
2. TORq Interface
TORq Interface is a HIPAA-compliant, automated platform which exports real-time, up-to-date surgical schedules from hospital systems directly to appropriate device representative’s phone.
Founder: Joanna Geisinger MBA ’17
TORq Interface founder, Joanna Geisinger, has worked tirelessly during her time at Babson to transform an idea into a fast-paced start-up. After completing her first year, Joanna was accepted to the Babson Summer Venture Program, a 10-week intensive experience designed to accelerate the development of student entrepreneurial ventures. Since then, progress for TORq Interface has pushed forward. Most notably, Joanna was selected as a participant for PULSE@MassChallenge, a new six-month digital health lab accelerator. Read more about TORq Interface in a recent interview.
3. DropzoneForVeterans.com
DropZone for Veterans is a customizable directory of high-impact veteran benefits.
Founder: Courtney Wilson MBA’ 17
Founder Courtney Wilson is a former Army Engineer Captain, combat veteran and Bronze Star Medal recipient. She has been profiled in the New York Times and interviewed by CNN and NPR for her experience in Afghanistan, as well as named a ‘Military Entrepreneur Making a Difference’. A Creative Writing major turned Engineer turned MBA Candidate, Courtney is a creative analytic who believes equally in authenticity and efficiency.
4. Syllabus2Go
Syllabus2Go is a digital content distribution platform that makes it simple for schools and teachers to order their best-loved pieces of content and get it distribute it to the students’ mobile devices.
Co-Founder: Manuel Peinado MBA ’17
Manuel Peinado, before starting his MBA, had over ten years of international experience in the education industry.
5. Corage Dolls
Corage Dolls is a multicultural doll company that helps to elevate, educate, and encourage girls of color to shatter societal barriers in order to unlock their full potential and embrace themselves as they should – Beautifully Made.
Founder: Flora Ekpe-Idang MBA’17
Flora Ekpe-Idang developed the idea for Corage Dolls back in high school after learning about the “doll test” which was a study done on children’s racial perceptions. The results were shocking when she discovered that many children of color; especially girls undervalued themselves due to a lack of positive representation in the media, leadership, and society. Corage Dolls strives to change that by creating customizable toys which are truly reflective of multicultural audiences and focus on boosting self-confidence.
Guest Contributor: Alyssa Lee, MBA ’17
Hometown: Portland, OR
Education: Colby College, Waterville, ME
Previous Experience: Marketing Manager and Business Development, The MBA Tour
Activities: Graduate Student Council: VP of First Year MBA’s (2015-2016), President (2016 – 2017)
Favorite Babson Entrepreneur: Rigdzin Tarshin, Founder – Tangkor Yak Dairy Cooperative