Renata Merino

Launched in 1996, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) is recognized as one of the top-ranked startup accelerator programs in the nation. Through the NVC, the Polsky Center has graduated more than 330 startup companies and created thousands of jobs for the economy. NVC startups have raised more than $1 billion in funding and achieved more than $7.5 billion in mergers and exits. Companies that have been successfully launched through the NVC include household names such as… Show more

Launched in 1996, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) is recognized as one of the top-ranked startup accelerator programs in the nation. Through the NVC, the Polsky Center has graduated more than 330 startup companies and created thousands of jobs for the economy. NVC startups have raised more than $1 billion in funding and achieved more than $7.5 billion in mergers and exits. Companies that have been successfully launched through the NVC include household names such as Grubhub, Braintree/Venmo, and Simple Mills. The Rattan L. Khosa First-Place Prize, in addition to other specialized prizes and awards, are announced at the Polsky Innovation Showcase immediately following the finals.

As a former student, a former NVC participant and now an investor, mentor and judge, I advise top startups from both the New Venture Challenge and Global New Venture Challenge programs on their business model, financial model, marketing strategy, branding, presentation and team development. I am also part of the panel of judges who evaluate which teams advance to the finals and receive funding from the program.

All startups are required to submit a business plan, financial model, pitch deck and are guided and taught by professors of entrepreneurship at Chicago Booth as well as mentors within the venture community. Startups must have at least one current Chicago Booth student as part of their team and must apply to the program and pass rigorous screening in order to participate.

Judges are also given the opportunity to invest as angel investors or as a venture capital investor. Show less

Stadia Ventures is the global Sports Innovation Hub for early-stage investment in sports and esports. The three pillars of the ecosystem include a broad, independent growth fund, a deeply connected global network of sports and esports executives, and a world-class business development accelerator which combine to create deal flow, new technology discovery and investment opportunities. Since late 2015, Stadia Ventures has invested in almost 50 portfolio companies and experienced 5 exits. The… Show more

Stadia Ventures is the global Sports Innovation Hub for early-stage investment in sports and esports. The three pillars of the ecosystem include a broad, independent growth fund, a deeply connected global network of sports and esports executives, and a world-class business development accelerator which combine to create deal flow, new technology discovery and investment opportunities. Since late 2015, Stadia Ventures has invested in almost 50 portfolio companies and experienced 5 exits. The success of the Stadia portfolio companies has led to Stadia Ventures being one of the longest-running and global players in the sports and esports technology space. Show less

Pear is an early-stage venture fund based out of Palo Alto founded by Mar Hershenson and Pejman Nozad. PearVC has had 9 exits and invests in seed and early stage startups. A few of their investments include Dropbox, Lending Club, Zoosk, Addepar, Path and many others.

PearVC leads a 3 month accelerator program with mentorship and office space and culminates with a final demo day, presenting to hundreds of top investors… Show more

Pear is an early-stage venture fund based out of Palo Alto founded by Mar Hershenson and Pejman Nozad. PearVC has had 9 exits and invests in seed and early stage startups. A few of their investments include Dropbox, Lending Club, Zoosk, Addepar, Path and many others.

PearVC leads a 3 month accelerator program with mentorship and office space and culminates with a final demo day, presenting to hundreds of top investors.

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/case-studies/pear-vc Show less

The Podium Project is a collaborative community network initiative designed to elevate and celebrate female founders specifically within the sport tech startup entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a three-year goal to increase the support and inclusion of female founders and leadership in sport tech companies.

It is activated through a series of pitch and professional events tied to significant global sport business and innovation forums, anchored by a committed online community of leading… Show more

The Podium Project is a collaborative community network initiative designed to elevate and celebrate female founders specifically within the sport tech startup entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a three-year goal to increase the support and inclusion of female founders and leadership in sport tech companies.

It is activated through a series of pitch and professional events tied to significant global sport business and innovation forums, anchored by a committed online community of leading sport tech champions and advisors, and supported by key corporate and professional partners. Show less

Provide mentorship and guidance to founders in both scaling their business in addition to raising capital from outside investors. From marketing to sales to strategic operations, advising founders on the nuances of building a business from scratch with minimal capital investment is my forte.

Interview prospective Bowdoin College candidates from various high schools located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Il and provide acceptance, rejection or wait list recommendation to the Admission Committee of Bowdoin College.

Located among pristine woodlands in the Ryerson historic home in Riverwoods, Il., Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods promotes the importance of nature for nurturing personal and community wellbeing, cultivating creativity, and inspiring learning. In doing so, the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods honors the legacy of those who came before us on this land and champions a region where people will care about and for nature.

I am a board member for Good Sports, a nonprofit launched in 2004 that drives equitable access in youth sports and physical activity, by supporting children in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential, on the field and in life.