Entrepreneurship Season 1 Articles

On episode 14 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Jon Niermann, co-founder and CEO of Loop TV. Niermann worked for the Walt Disney Company for over a decade, working his way up the ladder and eventually serving as President of Disney Asia. With years of corporate experience under his belt, Niermann left his C-Suite roles in pursuit of entrepreneurship. His current venture, Loop TV, has found success in the “out-of-home” streaming market. In September 2022, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange

On episode 13 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Janney Carpenter and John Sebesta, two experts in the Social Entrepreneurship field. Both Carpenter and Sebesta have several years of experience working first-hand with social enterprises, which are businesses and organizations that leverage market forces to address social issues. As the world’s problems become more complex, subjects like environmental sustainability and social justice are being incorporated into more and more organizations, whether they take form as nonprofits, for-profit businesses, or B Corporations.

On episode 12 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with David Painter and Davis Mawer, the filmmakers behind “The Bird of Paradise.” What started as a Capstone project in DU’s Film program has “spread its wings” as an award-winning short film at several festivals, including winning the first-ever Student Production Award in the Heartland EMMY Chapter. This episode explores the parallels between self-started film and theatre productions, as Kevin Douglas also shares insights from his theatre company Two Cent Lion.

On episode 11 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Ryan Mclean, co-owner of Mountain Crust. This fast-growing food truck business is redefining the “pizza party” by providing full catering services for events such as weddings, graduations, and more. The Mountain Crust brand has become synonymous for both great service and a fun, laid-back atmosphere where employees party alongside the guests.

On episode 10 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Clare Whetzel, Founder of Illegal Oats. With sustainability and nutrition at the forefront of the business model, Illegal Oats made a splash in the “insect protein” industry, creating delicious granola treats infused with indetectable mealworm powder. In just a few years, Illegal Oats has become a staple of Denver’s farmers markets.

On episode 9 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Luca Gacy, Founder and CEO of ICEBOX Controllers. ICEBOX creates customizable gaming controllers designed for durability and ergonomics. In its pre-launch stage, the company is already generating buzz within the competitive Esports community.

On episode 8 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Hannah Nia and Luke Lopatofsky, who are members of the Pioneer Venture Group (PVG). PVG is a student-run venture capital firm that invests real money in new startups, giving students a hands-on opportunity to work with new startups in the seed-funding phase.

On episode 7 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Sheila Schroeder, Leif Soederberg and Zyann Rodgers, 3 of the 5 filmmakers behind Breaking the Turfgrass Ceiling. This documentary webseries is part of DU F.I.L.M., an experiential learning initiative that provides professional filmmaking opportunities for DU students.

On episode 6 of the Entrepreneurship@DU Podcast, we chat with Ryan Evans, co-founder and CEO of Bruz Beers. With a commitment to Belgian beers (including guided beer tours through Belgium), this Denver-based taproom has made a name for itself in the competitive craft brewery scene.