Terry College Startup Takes Top Prize in Atlanta Competition

A team of students from the University of Georgia- Terry College of Business recently took top prize at an Atlanta-based University Shark Attack pitch competition.

Five collegiate teams had the opportunity to pitch their private-equity startup ideas to a panel of “sharks” from the investment community.

MiraBlue Bio LLC, the startup team representing Terry College, explained to panelists its innovative, acid-proof biopolymer which could create capsules integral in delivering nutraceuticals, probiotics and pharmaceuticals that can be absorbed in the colon. The capsules could be used in treatment of such conditions as Crohn’s disease.

David Beauchamp, co-founder and CFO of MiraBlue, delivered the pitch on behalf of his team, which also included Areeba Abid and UGA alumnae Kristin Henry and Song Kue. “It’s nice to have a win,” Beauchamp said, “but it was also good to get our there and talk about our product and find out it’s something investors are interest in backing.”

Beauchamp’s presentation, emphasizing the “novel and necessary” uses of the product, earned MiraBlue the competition’s top prize, beating out teams from Emory University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University.

Bob Pinckney, UGA’s director of entrepreneurial programs, commented on the success of UGA’s entrepreneurship programs thus far, and his expectation to see it continue to grow in the future. “I am very proud of the MiraBlue Bio team and all that they have done in creating a world-class product and in representing UGA,” he added.

The contest took place on Sep. 8th and was sponsored by the Ritz Group, a 30-year-old non-profit networking organization operating out of Buckhead, Georgia. Ritz’ main focus is to connect investors with emerging businesses to further improve Georgia’s position as one of the most business-friendly states in the southern U.S.

regions: Atlanta

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