The Top 5 Student-Led USC Entrepreneurship Ventures You Need to Know About
Entrepreneurship has been gaining momentum worldwide precisely because it enables a person to turn their creative idea into a tangible reality. The trend not only provides individuals with the opportunity to make significant profits but also provides an incredible figurehead for others to follow. In today’s world, businesses are a potent tool for financial stability and a means of providing employment opportunities, especially to young people seeking a path towards their professional goals. This idea has also been embraced by the University of Southern California (USC) students, who have consistently been coming up with unique ideas to grow their entrepreneurship ventures. In this article, we shall look at five of these student-led ventures that stand out from the rest.
1. Apollo.io – Student Entrepreneurs Reinventing Lead Generation.
The first on our list is Apollo.io, founded by two USC graduates: Tim Zheng, and Ray Li. The company has aimed to reinvent traditional lead generation by creating a customer data platform that uses artificial intelligence to streamline the sales process for its clients. Through the Apollo platform, business owners and salespeople have access to customer information, contact details, and leads without spending hours searching for them. Since its inception in 2016, the company has raised approximately $22 million in funding, including a $10 million series A led by Nexus Venture Partners. Apollo.io has become a popular choice among venture-backed startups and established enterprises alike.
2. Newchip – Affordable Access to Investment Opportunities.
Newchip is an investment marketplace that offers affordable and accessible investment opportunities to the common people. The company was founded in 2016 by two USC graduates, Ryan Rafols, and Travis Brodeen. Newchip has raised over $4 million in funding primarily through grants and angel investments. The company has seen significant growth since its inception, with over 220,000 registered members on the platform. Newchip provides unique tools to vet and manage the individual’s portfolio, benefiting both new and experienced investors.
3. Opus 12 – Turning CO2 Pollution into Valuable Chemicals.
Opus 12 is on a mission to convert harmful CO2 emissions into valuable chemicals and fuels. It was founded in 2015 by three Carnegie Mellon graduate students and a USC MBA student. The company has raised over $10 million in fundraising, with companies like Breakout Ventures, Prime Coalition Inc, and the XPRIZE Foundation investing in their vision. The company’s technology involves the conversion of CO2 emissions from heavy industries into chemicals, ultimately reducing the impact of such emissions on the environment.
4. Science 37 – Modernizing Clinical Trials.
Science 37 is a startup that aims to modernize and simplify clinical trials, making them more accessible to everyday people. The company was founded in 2014 by a team of USC alumni. Science 37 has helped healthcare organizations streamline their clinical trial processes, reducing the time and cost involved in drug development. Just recently, the company raised over $29 million in funds via a series D funding round. It was led by Redmile Group, in collaboration with GV and Lux Capital.
5. Good Today – More Than Just a Charity Subscription.
Good Today was created by a group of USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism graduates. The company aims to provide charitable donations to various non-profit organizations through a monthly subscription system. Good Today’s subscription costs only a dollar per day, and members can discover new non-profits each day to donate their daily dollar too. The company has seen notable success, with over 200 charities listed on their platform. It also provides a unique platform for non-profit organizations to reach out and be noticed by individuals that may not have heard of their causes before.
The Takeaway
The above student entrepreneurship ventures are an inspiration to young people everywhere attempting to pursue and succeed in their dreams. The University of Southern California has shown its commitment towards nurturing entrepreneurship among its students by providing them with the essential resources required to bring their visions to life. These five businesses have achieved high levels of success due to their innovative ideas, determination, and hard work. As such, they are worth exploring and learning from, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs.
