Babson Entrepreneurs Shine at eMerge Americas — A Showcase of Innovation and Impact

The sun-drenched streets of Miami throbbed with the energy of eMerge Americas , the premier tech conference connecting the Americas and the rest of the globe. Amidst the throngs of entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts, Babson College stood out, a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Babson didn’t just show up — they showed off. With a contingent of startups that blew the competition out of the water, they proved, yet again, why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the entrepreneurial world.

Babson Ventures Take Center Stage

Imagine this: over a hundred hopeful startups, all vying for a coveted spot in the Global Startup Accelerator and Showcase. Only a select few would emerge victorious. And among those chosen few? Five — count ’em, five — Babson ventures. Talk about making a statement!

These weren’t just any startups, either. These were the rockstars, the innovators, the game-changers. Let’s meet the fab five, shall we?

• Elcove: Spearheaded by the dynamic Anastacia Yefimenko (Class of ’25), Elcove is cleaning up — literally! Their sustainable cleaning products are good for your home and the planet.
• BOND: Building a business is a team sport, and Chloe Samaha (Class of ’25) knows it. Her brainchild, BOND, is a team-building app designed to strengthen connections and boost productivity.
• Eyefly Technologies: Hold onto your hats, folks, because Cristian Morales (MBA ’24) is taking us into the future. Eyefly Technologies is pioneering incredible virtual and augmented reality experiences.
• Legislaide: Navigating the labyrinthine world of legislation just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Legislaide. Co-founded by the brilliant Vivian Nguyen (Class of ’22), this AI-powered platform provides much-needed legislative assistance to local governments.
• Portalys: Remember the last time you went to a truly personalized, engaging live event? Yeah, me neither. But Thomas Thiry (Class of ’25) is about to change that with Portalys, a platform that’s reinventing the live event game.

But wait, there’s more! These Babson ventures didn’t just participate; they dominated.

Elcove and Eyefly Technologies soared to new heights, securing spots among the top twenty-five startups overall. But they didn’t stop there. These overachievers also snagged top-five positions in the fiercely competitive university startup track. Talk about making your alma mater proud!

And the awards kept rolling in. Legislaide, the AI whisperer of the legal world, clinched the prestigious Archie $10K AI Challenge award. Not to be outdone, Eyefly Technologies proved their AI prowess by also securing a spot in the top five of the Archie AI Challenge.

Anastacia Yefimenko and Elcove: A Success Story

Let’s be real — starting and running a business is no walk in the park. It takes guts, determination, and a whole lot of hustle. Now, imagine doing all that while you’re still in college. That’s precisely what Anastacia Yefimenko, the powerhouse behind Elcove, is doing, and let me tell you, she’s killing it.

Anastacia Yefimenko and Elcove: A Success Story

Let’s be real — starting and running a business is no walk in the park. It takes guts, determination, and a whole lot of hustle. Now, imagine doing all that while you’re still in college. That’s precisely what Anastacia Yefimenko, the powerhouse behind Elcove, is doing, and let me tell you, she’s killing it.

For Yefimenko, eMerge Americas wasn’t just another conference; it was a validation of everything she’d poured her heart and soul into. Landing a spot in the top twenty-five, and then clinching a top-five finish in the university track, was nothing short of exhilarating.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see our hard work recognized on such a huge stage,” Yefimenko shared, her voice buzzing with excitement. “Being surrounded by so many brilliant minds and innovative companies was both humbling and inspiring.”

The Pitching Process: Intensity and Reward

Picture this: you’re on stage, the weight of a thousand eyes on you, the pressure cooker atmosphere thick enough to cut with a knife. That’s the electrifying energy of the eMerge Americas pitching process.

The competition unfolds in two adrenaline-pumping stages. Day one is all about grabbing the judges’ attention with a lightning-fast four-minute pitch, followed by a grueling Q&A session that separates the wheat from the chaff. Only the cream of the crop, the top twenty-five startups, advance to the final showdown.

And the final day? Oh, just a casual live pitch on the main stage in front of a massive audience of investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. No biggie, right?

For Yefimenko, the experience was nothing short of transformative. “Pitching on such a major platform was an incredible opportunity,” she enthused. “It forced us to refine our message, perfect our pitch, and really showcase what makes Elcove special.”

But it wasn’t all work and no play. eMerge Americas is as much about forging connections as it is about competition. Yefimenko relished the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and even some familiar faces from Babson.

And then there was that unforgettable moment when a customer approached Yefimenko, having recognized her from the Elcove branding. Talk about a full-circle moment! “It was amazing to connect with someone who believes in our mission and uses our products,” Yefimenko beamed.

Babson: A Legacy of Entrepreneurial Excellence

The success of Babson ventures like Elcove, BOND, Eyefly Technologies, Legislaide, and Portalys at eMerge Americas is a testament to the college’s unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and nurturing the next generation of business leaders.

These five startups, with their innovative solutions and unwavering determination, are not just making waves in the tech world; they’re proving that Babson graduates are a force to be reckoned with. They’re not just dreaming big; they’re making those dreams a reality.

And as the sun sets on another electrifying eMerge Americas, one thing is clear: Babson College will continue to be a driving force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering students to think big, challenge the status quo, and leave their mark on the world.