NEWS
VILLANOVA SENIOR STARTS HIS OWN COMPANY
February 3, 2021
By Julia Butch
Gus Singleton, a Villanova senior studying Mechanical Engineering, is using his expertise to simplify student life and make learning easier with his app, SelfStarter. Gus is focused on implementing AI technology to improve time management and planning for busy students. He has used IIE funds for a variety of costs, but primarily for running google ads and for Linkedin recruiter packages. Gus says, “this has been enormously helpful for experimentation and building up (his) team.”
He and his team have had a fantastic experience with IIE. Gus feels “extremely grateful for the support (IIE) has provided throughout (his) venture.” He is hoping to apply for the launch phase grant in the near future.
Gus is excited about the future at SelfStarter and is hoping to partner with Villanova for a launch of his early product. He and his collaborators are building out a first version now and are hoping to do a small-scale launch within 2-3 months. His current team consists of three people, including Tejas Sharma who is a current Villanova student.
Gus is very much looking forward to presenting these innovative features and is hoping to release the app for students very soon. While his initial plan is to improve learning and planning for the Villanova community, the future is limitless for SelfStarter, as modern solutions for studying are urgently needed.
VUSHARES: A SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE WAY TO SHOP
January 27, 2021
By Kiah Champion '23 VSB
If you’ve ever hastily moved out of your dorm at the end of the year, chances are you had to throw away a few items that you couldn’t find a new home for. VuShares, a new venture founded by Rahul Thapa and Tejas Sharma, is a platform that aims to solve this problem. Rahul Thapa explains that he hates being wasteful and he had the idea for VuShares after seeing how many items were thrown away at the end of the school year. With all the chaos of moving out, students simply do not have the time to sell their old items or find someone who could use it. By creating a website for Villanova students to conveniently connect with one another, VuShares will make it much easier to buy and sell items in a way that is affordable, safe, and more sustainable for the environment.
VuShares is a platform dedicated to people who are a part of the Villanova community and member profiles will be verified, so you will always be safe when buying or selling on the app. In addition to buying and selling goods, VuShares will also allow students and alumni to sell services, such as tutoring or grocery shopping. Student organizations and local businesses will even be able to promote themselves and their events on the app. With all of its many different features, VuShares will be a simple and safe one-stop-shop for students to sell their old furniture, buy textbooks, and find fun events to attend on the weekend.
Rahul and Tejas are both excited about this new venture and are confident that it will give the Villanova community a safer and more sustainable way to sell their items or shop for new ones! VuShares recently received funding from the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and they are in the Build Phase of their venture. They are looking forward to building their website and creating a space for the Villanova community to connect. If you are interested, you can learn more about VuShares here: https://vushares.web.app/ and sign up for their email list to stay in the loop about exclusive benefits.