We’re thrilled to share that our General Partner, Kerry Rupp, recently served as a judge at the prestigious Texas Venture Labs Investment Competition (TVLIC). This remarkable event showcased the exceptional entrepreneurial talent and innovative business ideas of graduate students from the University of Texas System.

THIS COMPETITION IS THE REAL DEAL – mimicking the real-world process of raising venture capital. Kerry had the opportunity to witness firsthand the passion, dedication, and vision of these aspiring founders as they pitched their ventures to a panel of esteemed investors and entrepreneurs. Many TVLIC competitors launch successful businesses, including uShip, Ordoro, BeatBox Beverages, Phurnace Software and Qcue.

The Spring 2023 Texas Champion was Hamperapp, which was awarded the top prize of $15,000 for their online platform that streamlines the laundry and dry cleaning process with convenient pick-up and delivery services.

The Texas Superstar Award and $5,000 prize went to Trinity Tube in second place, and the Texas Rising Star Award and $2,500 prize went to Tano Pharmaceuticals in third place. Two James D. Pippin Veteran Entrepreneurship Awards and $1,000 prizes each went to Underdog Supplements and Tano Pharmaceuticals.The award for Health Innovation and $5,000 prize went to Longhorn Life Sciences. The winner of the Technology Commercialization Award and the $10,000 prize went to Trinity Tube. The award for Sustainability and $5,000 prize went to FlareXES. The winner of the Energy Innovation Award and $5,000 prize went to Green Credit Exchange. The E. Craig Nemec Elevator Challenge Award and $1,000 prize are given to the three best elevator pitches. The three winners were Longhorn Life Sciences, Tano Pharmaceuticals, and Green Credit Exchange.

The Fall 2023 TVL Investment Competition will be held on Friday, December 8. The deadline to apply is November 27. Apply now!