Lion's Den | Entrepreneurship | Hofstra University

Do you have an idea for a new business, product, or social innovation? Participate in the Hofstra Lion's Den – a Shark Tank-style pitch competition where students vie for prizes by making their best two-minute "elevator pitch" to a panel of judges.

Current Hofstra University students from any school/year/major are eligible to pitch!

The fall 2024 event will be held in person in the ideaHUb (Guthart Hall, Room 103).

If you would like to participate in the pitch competition, click the “Register to Pitch” button below.

For more information, go to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section.

The Lion’s Den Pitch Competition will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in the ideaHUb from 1-3pm. A total of $750 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

First Place: $400
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100

Register to Pitch

Lion's Den Pitch Competition | Fall 2024

1st Place: PetWatch – Megan Maragliano
2nd Place: Helping Hands – Joseph Mugavero
3rd Place: Vacant – Jack Fernandez

2024 Lion's Den Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?: Current Hofstra University students from any major, school, or year are eligible to participate.
How do I participate in the Lion’s Den pitch competition?: Click “Register to Pitch” button on the Lion’s Den webpage.
When is the deadline to register for the Lion’s Den pitch competition?: The deadline is November 8, 2024.
After I register, what’s next?: Prepare your pitch presentation in a PowerPoint format.
Your presentation should be two minutes long.
Will I receive assistance with my presentation?: If you would like guidance on your pitch presentation, please send an email to ideaHUb@hofstra.edu with your name, phone number, and specify the area of your presentation you would like assistance with.
When will the winners be announced?: Winners will be announced on the same day.
If I previously participated in the Lion’s Den pitch competition, can I pitch again?: Yes, but only if you did NOT win a prize.
How soon will I receive my cash prize if I win?: Winners are required to submit a completed W-9 form and can expect to receive a check within thirty days after processing. Non-U.S. citizens will have to complete a W8-BEN.
Do I need to have a company to participate?: No, you do not need to have a business, just an idea.
Does my idea have to be in a particular business sector?: No.
Can I have worked on the idea prior to the competition or as a student project?: Yes.
Who are the judges?: A panel of judges will include experienced entrepreneurs.
Will Hofstra claim any intellectual property or equity in my idea?: No, Hofstra University releases all intellectual property rights to the participants. Hofstra will not take any equity in the company.
Can international students participate?: Yes. Currently enrolled Hofstra University students can participate.
Can graduate students participate?: Yes. Currently enrolled Hofstra University students can participate.
Is there a required major for eligibility?: No. All majors can participate.
Is there a limit on the number of participants on my team?: Five is the maximum number of members in a group that can participate.
Do I need to build a prototype?: All you need is a business idea to enter. Use of the ideaHUb makerspace is available upon request and subject to approval and availability of the space.
Can I apply if I have already started a business?: Yes.
Can non-Hofstra students participate in my team?: No. The Lion's Den pitch competition is only open to currently enrolled Hofstra University students.
What other kinds of support does the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship offer Hofstra student entrepreneurs?: The Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an available resource for all members of the Hofstra community interested in learning more about entrepreneurship. The Institute provides workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Visit www.hofstra.edu/entrepreneurship for more information.

From left to right:
April Jones, Assistant Director for Faculty and Student Initiatives (IIE); Jack Fernandez, 3rd Place Winner (Vacant); Cheryl Mchunguzi, Judge (Metamorphosis LMSW P.C. & Wellness Center); Leota Blacknor, Judge (Entrepreneur-in-Residence); Erick Hunt, Director (IIE); Natalia Sandor, Judge (ideaHUb Incubator Coordinator); Joseph Mugavero, 2nd Place Winner (Helping Hands); Olivia Nadolny, Program Administrator (IIE); Joy Williams, Associate Director for Community Engagement and Initiatives (IIE); Avinanda Mukherjee, Assistant Director for Grant Writing and Management (IIE); Megan Maragliano, 1st Place Winner (PetWatch); Dr. Richard Hayes, Executive Director (IIE)