Local entrepreneurs will discuss their successes and some of the lessons they have learned this evening during “Startup Stories,” a panel discussion held at the Englert Theatre beginning 5:30 p.m.
“Startup Stories” is part of ENTREdays, a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship hosted by the UI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) in order to bring attention to entrepreneurial opportunities on campus.
UI alum Ravi Patel will moderate the discussion. Patel oversees new construction and operations for Hawkeye Hotels. He has also invested in or helped found the other three ventures that will have representation on the panel: Higher Learning Technologies, co-founded with Alec Whitters; Telepharm, founded by Roby Miller; and Ellison Eyewear co-founded with Aristotle Loumis.
Startup Stories is one of five events happening during ENTREdays. Others include a student brainstorm session and pitch launch party, as well as a screening of Joshua Michael Stern’s Jobs on Wednesday at 7 p.m. According to JPEC event coordinator, Devyn Alexander, the goal of the events is to offer a wide audience the opportunity to see entrepreneurship “at its finest.”
“The great thing about entrepreneurship is that it can be for anyone and everyone,” said Alexander. “There are no guidelines … If you have a dream for a business idea, JPEC is here to encourage you to act on it.”
Prior to this evening’s panel, a networking reception will be held starting at 5 p.m. This is a free event but registration is appreciated.
