Tempe, AZ, May 8, 2024 — Sixteen of Arizona State University’s top eSeed-funded venture founders, along with other ASU student entrepreneurs, recently concluded an illuminating and immersive innovation retreat in Silicon Valley from May 2-4, 2024. Hosted by Mr. Tom Prescott, lead benefactor of the eSeed Challenge, and supported by members of the ASU community, the retreat provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the heart of the Silicon Valley tech startup ecosystem.
The ASU Tech Devils delegation, composed of 16 student founders representing 10 ventures, embarked on a journey led by Brent Sebold, ASU’s Hool Coury Law Professor of Entrepreneurship and director of the Tech Devils program. With a focus on medtech, adtech, and software startups, the group engaged in a series of exclusive events and discussions designed to foster innovation and collaboration.
The retreat kicked off with a lunch at the GooglePlex Campus, followed by an insightful talk and tour featuring Mertay Dayanc and other ASU alum Googlers. Participants then visited AirGarage HQ for a tour and engaging Founder Fireside Chat, before enjoying dinner with Jonathan Barkl and Scott Fitsimons, the AirGarage Founding team, and other distinguished guests, including Sidnee Peck, an ASU alum and architect of several legacy ASU entrepreneurship courses and programs.
The second day commenced with a breakfast and discussion with Sunil Nagaraj, Founder of Ubiquity Ventures, followed by a showcase of Ubiquity Ventures portfolio companies, including insights from John Dean, Founder of Windborne. The day continued with a discussion led by Sharon O’Mara, Senior Marketing Executive and seasoned investor, offering invaluable perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation.
The retreat also provided ample opportunities for networking and learning, including a lunch with a VIP guest panel at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. The highlight of the event was the Tech Devils Pitches, where participants had the chance to showcase their ventures and receive feedback from industry experts, including Aryyama Kumar Jana, an ASU alum and current Amazon engineer.
When asked about the impact of the retreat, Jana said, “It’s inspiring to see the university fostering such innovative entrepreneurship. The integration of cutting-edge technology in the pitches was particularly impressive. Each venture showcased ingenuity, passion and a keen understanding of how technology can disrupt traditional industries and create new opportunities. It’s evident that the participants had a deep understanding of their markets and customers. With further development and strategic refinement, I believe these ventures have the potential to make significant impacts in their respective industries.”
During a break in the afternoon pitch agenda, the ASU founders also heard from Faisal Younas, co-founder of Pillar.io, and Keith Ryu, an esteemed ASU alum, and co-founder of Fountain.com.
The retreat concluded with a celebratory dinner featuring VIP alumni guests, fostering an environment of camaraderie and shared passion for changemaking. Throughout the retreat, participants had the opportunity to engage with prominent figures in the startup community, gaining valuable insights and inspiration for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Reflecting on the experience, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow founders and industry leaders, highlighting the invaluable lessons learned and the impact of the retreat on their entrepreneurial journey.
“This experience has inspired me, and I’m very impressed by the caliber of founders we had the opportunity to meet, as well as the individuals invited to the retreat and the incredible ASU staff who made this experience unforgettable,” remarked Sophie Gatt, co-founder of LOOPLITE.
The ASU Tech Devils Innovation Retreat exemplifies ASU’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, empowering students to drive meaningful change in the world through their ventures.
For more information about ASU Tech Devils and future initiatives, please contact Brent Sebold at ASU.