Business Management Major Wins University’s Version of ‘Shark Tank’

Ketsia Kimpioka ’19, the winner of season two of "Pitch Perfect," a University-produced online show modeled after the hit reality show "Shark Tank," proposed a greener alternative to plastic bottles.

May 9, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Ketsia Kimpioka ’19, a business management major, was competing in Charger Startup Weekend when she first heard about "Pitch Perfect," the University’s version of the hit TV show "Shark Tank." She figured it would be another way to get the business idea she is developing in front of more people.

She accomplished that – and then some, winning the second season of "Pitch Perfect," earning a $500 cash prize to invest in her idea and the opportunity to work with a company that will help her jump start her business.

"I’m from Africa, and people are getting sick from the pollution. I’m trying to come up with solutions to problems that, I hope, will help the world."Ketsia Kimpioka ’19

Pitching "All Ways Green," Kimpioka presented an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottles – a bottle with a seed-paper based exterior and an algae-based lining. She pitched to three judges, including Michael Maguire, chair of the University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program and the show’s creator.

"’Pitch Perfect’ was a great experience because I learned so much from the feedback that I received from the judges," said Kimpioka, who also recently won the Alvine New Venture Pitch Competition. "I’m from Africa, and people are getting sick from the pollution. I’m trying to come up with solutions to problems that, I hope, will help the world."

Filmed in the University’s television studio, "Pitch Perfect" airs on YouTube. During the season, the starting group of eight students was reduced to two finalists. Beyond the prize money, the ultimate goal is for participants to learn how to develop their business ideas.

"It’s like ‘Shark Tank,’ but in a much more supportive environment," said Maguire. "It’s not live television – it’s very safe. If students get stuck, they can start over. Everyone will get through it and have a good pitch."

"All participants are winners because they had the courage to come and pitch their ideas."Ketsia Kimpioka ’19

While Maguire, the former CEP of Structural Graphics, a marketing services firm, hosts the show, it is completely student-run. The production crew – including the directors and the floor manager – is made up of students. A producer recruits the judges, which include faculty members, as well as the show’s competitors. Students also operate the show’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

The crew is now preparing for season three, which will take place this fall, and Kimpioka hopes that students will take advantage of the opportunity to perfect their pitches by contacting the show’s producer at onthespotap@gmail.com.

"There are no losers," Kimpioka said. "All participants are winners because they had the courage to come and pitch their ideas."