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On Friday, April 21, Southwest Baptist University hosted an investor pitch meeting for the Beyond Angel Network, which brings together faith-driven entrepreneurs and faith-driven investors.
The event was the third pitch event of the year for Beyond and the first event that SBU has hosted since becoming a university partner in October 2022. Over the course of two hours, SBU students, faculty, staff and alumni listened to pitches from two entrepreneurs seeking investment to grow their business. Investors from around the country also joined virtually.
“We were thrilled to host our Q2 pitch event on campus at SBU!” said Sarah Jennings, director of the Beyond Angel Network. “We are proud to be partnered with an innovative school like SBU and to have the university as one of our Founding University Members. We look forward to continuing to witness firsthand the impact the SBU Bearcat Angel Network has on SBU and their community of faculty, alumni, and students.”
The two businesses presenting were:
Among those in the pitch audience was Rachel Francis, SBU’s first Beyond intern who has served as a student analyst for the organization. A junior, Francis has been working since January to research potential businesses that could present at future pitch events while receiving mentorship from a Christian business leader and investor.
Earlier in the semester, SBU students participated in their own event called “SBU: The Pitch.” Out of eight applicants, four students were selected to pitch their business concepts to their peers. A total of $1,500 was awarded to students to help them reach their goals.
“Bringing Christian leaders who have a proven business idea together with Christian individuals who can financially support these endeavors is a good move,” said Dr. Troy Bethards, associate provost at SBU and Beyond board member. “SBU’s engagement with Beyond moves from good to great when you realize that we are creating paid internship and mentor opportunities for our students to evaluate the potential businesses for investment consideration.”
Beyond is a Dallas, Texas-based national multi-Christian university ecosystem of Angel Networks providing early-stage capital, a network of industry relationships, and expertise for faith-driven founders of for-profit companies. The investment thesis is to invest in disruptive technology companies led by faith-driven founders using their platform of influence for the glory of God in the marketplace.
Alumni and others who want to know more about Beyond or to join the SBU Bearcat Angel Network, can contact Dr. Angela Brown-Peterson, associate professor of business, at abrownpeterson@SBUniv.edu or (417) 328-1754.
*Published: 4/25/23
