Submission Requirements & Other Eligibility
Submission Requirements
All submissions must be the original work of registered team members. Assistance from your advisor is allowed.
Team Composition
- Registered teams must consist of 2 or more participants, at least one of whom must be a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student at any college of DePaul University OR a 2011 alumnus.
- Each member must hold a management position in the venture. Mentors, faculty, advisors, and passive investors may not serve as team members.
- A student/recent alumnus must be designated as the captain and primary contact for the team.
- Should the team qualify as a finalist, two team members are required to present. The DePaul student/alumnus must deliver the majority of the presentation (measured in time).
- Prior winners of Launch DePaul are not eligible to enter with the same venture and/or similar products/services.
- Only one team per person is allowed.
Status of Idea/ Venture
The competition is for the following types of ventures: for- profit, non- profit, and social ventures in the pre start-up, start-up, or growth stages. For businesses currently in operation, 2011 annual revenue may not exceed $250,000.
Generally excluded are the following:
- Buy-outs
- Expansions of companies owned by others
- Real estate syndications
- Tax shelters
- Franchises
- Licensing agreements for distribution in a different geographical area (except for university-based research/technology)
- Spin-outs from existing corporations
Launch DePaul will be judged on the viability of the management team to execute the proposed venture and team members should consider its sustainability and profitability. If the proposed venture is positioned as a non-for-profit or social venture, its ability to address a community or widespread need should be considered.
Funding Status
If the venture has already raised funds or received grants, the amounts and sources must be clearly disclosed.