Two Georgetown McDonough-based startups took home $15,000 following the thanks to the support from the Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize—a monetary award that provides funding for students and alumni who have started businesses of their own. The awards were presented by the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative according to a press release from the school.
The Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize supports Georgetown entrepreneurs who have launched or are preparing to launch new business ventures. Prizes are given out each semester to teams or individuals. Each year, a limit of $100,000 is given to new startups
“This prize is a way to create momentum around fostering entrepreneurship across campus,” said Ted Leonsis, a longtime entrepreneur, investor and founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Leonsis created the prize with his wife, son and daughter. He also serves as chair of the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative’s advisory group.
Connect.ed, founded by Monica Perez (MSFS-MALAS‘16), was one of the $15,000 award winners. Connect.ed is a chat-based mobile app that provides virtual mentors for high school students by connecting them in real-time to current college students at any campus across the United States.
Adlumin, Inc., founded by Robert Johnston (B‘19), also won $15,000. Adlumin is a company that helps businesses secure sensitive data and intellectual property while achieving compliance objectives.
Other startup to win prize money include: Coyotea, LLC ($8,000); Edgies Poster Hangers by dSBrands ($8,000) and Elephant Honey, LLC ( $1,000).
“The Leonsis Prize builds awareness around the innovation and accomplishments of Georgetown University’s student entrepreneurs,” said Jeff Reid, founding director of the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative. “It strengthens our reputation as a place for the most ambitious young people who seek to create and develop new companies.”
You can learn more about the Leonsis Family Entrepreneurship Prize here.