SMU Cox - Williams S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Introducing the Spears Intern Spotlight series! Each Friday, we're showcase one of the incredible SMU MBA students who is gaining hands-on experience through a project-based internship with a local startup. First up is Siddharth Khandelwal! This semester, Sid is working with Let us Nudge — a tech platform helping restaurants increase revenue by optimizing table turnover and customer flow. Their smart tools help drive efficiency through personalized offers and targeted promotions that fill empty seats and reduce wait times. Here’s what Sid had to say about his experience so far: “I’ve always been drawn to startups for their energy. There is something incredibly exciting about building from the ground up, wearing multiple hats, and constantly pushing boundaries. Working with Let Us Nudge has allowed me to take on challenges headfirst and contribute meaningfully to their next stage of growth.” Way to go, Sid! We're proud of the impact you're making and the entrepreneurial spirit you bring to the Spears community! P.S. If you're a DFW startup looking for a fully funded MBA intern this summer, apply for our summer cohort by Sunday, March 30 at https://bit.ly/41GRxrG

Calling all DFW community members & SMU alumni! ?? Are you interested in mentoring future business leaders? Meeting with a student for 30 minutes to share your experience and expertise can change the trajectory of his or her career. As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply to become a mentor today at https://bit.ly/4hKo8kW ????

The SMU Impact Lab is hosting their biannual pitch event on Tuesday, April 1st! Discover businesses committed to creating positive change through innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including equitable healthcare, sustainable design, mental health support systems, and emerging artist platforms. We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to?Gradient Connect on this incredible achievement! Ranking #12 among AI companies on F6S is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication of CEO and Founder Christian K., an SMU MBA student and President of the SMU Cox Graduate Entrepreneurship Club. We can’t wait to see the impact of the upcoming MVP relaunch!

The Spears Workshop Series wrapped up this past Saturday with a powerful finale led by Morganne Stewart on Effective Storytelling & Pitch Design. Over the course of three workshops, participants explored critical aspects of evaluating venture opportunities, refining business operations, and crafting compelling pitches, with each session building on the last to help founders sharpen their strategies. Morganne left us with a powerful reminder: “The founder and their story is just as important as the product. Make sure to show the passion you have in your pitch.” From designing visually engaging decks to structuring narratives that connect with investors, this final session emphasized the importance of storytelling in entrepreneurship. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the series. Your energy, curiosity, and commitment to growth made each session an incredible experience, and we look forward to seeing where your ideas take you next! Cheers!

Coffee with Spears?returns this Wednesday, March 19 at Herb's House Coffee, and you're invited! This monthly gathering is where students, alumni, and entrepreneurs come together to connect, collaborate, and caffeinate. Whether you're looking for fresh perspectives, valuable feedback, or new connections, Spears Coffee Hour is the place to be. Feel free to stop by anytime between 9:00 - 10:30AM. RSVP now at https://bit.ly/4bWx5GC join us for a morning of great coffee and even better conversation. See you Wednesday!??????

The?Unbridled Venture Project?challenges Full-Time MBA students at SMU Cox School of Business to transform innovative concepts into market-ready ventures, bringing bold ideas to life. This year’s teams developed minimum viable products and pitched to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs, competing for funding to take their ideas to the next level. All of the pitches were extraordinary, but please join us in congratulating our top teams! ?? First Place: Popkle?– Taezja Phelan & Kwanghyun Kim Personalized skincare that evolves with you, ensuring real-time adaptability for optimal skin health. ?? Second Place: Salubrious?– Ajay Sharma, Fabah Biji, Luke De Mario, Madiha Munaf Chagani, Dan Sanders & Rocio Castaneda Fresh, cold-pressed juice delivered straight to your door, making healthy choices more accessible for Texans. ?? Third Place: DFWX?– Thomas Kober, Alexandra Gennari, Alex Heika, Charlie Craft, Catherine Ramsey & Gavin Livingston A modern rail solution connecting Dallas and Fort Worth with safe, rapid, and efficient transit. A huge thank you to our judges for sharing their expertise and guidance: Cecilia Rios Murrieta Demetrius Washington, MBA Kyle Waldrep Bhavna Kumar Emily W. Choi The Unbridled Venture Project is more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for innovative ventures. We can’t wait to see where these founders take their ideas next! Congratulations to all on a job well done!

We’re proud to sponsor the?"Women in Venture Capital" Southwest Venture Forum?on?March 27?and would love for you to join us. Moderated by Laura Baldwin and Jen O'Neal, this special edition of SWVF will feature businesswomen reshaping the VC industry. Don't miss the chance to hear Kimmy Scotti, Lyndsey Harper, MD, FACOG, IF, and Pialy Aditya share their experiences with securing investment, scaling their ventures, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Register now to secure your spot: General Registration:?https://bit.ly/3XP9GB0 Student Registration (Discounted Ticket):?https://bit.ly/4hv0Gbh Looking forward to seeing you there!

Are you a DFW early-stage startup in need of a summer intern? Apply now for the?Spears Internship Program?for the chance to be matched with a highly motivated?SMU MBA student for the summer — fully funded by Spears! All companies who apply will be invited to the Spears Internship Innovator’s Exchange?on?April 2nd?to pitch their company and internship role to students. After the event, students will rank their internship preferences, and Spears will facilitate?five startup-student matches?for the summer. Don't miss this great opportunity to secure top-tier summer talent for FREE! ?? To ensure the program benefits early-stage ventures, companies must have revenue of less than $5 million annually and fewer than 10 employees. Apply by March 30th using to the link below to be considered. Learn more: https://bit.ly/422sq2A Apply here:?https://bit.ly/41GRxrG Joshua Taylor Morganne Stewart Bhavna Kumar