Cornell Entrepreneur Network Event Ignites Entrepreneurial Spirit in NYC

The air crackled with energy – a potent mix of ambition, innovation, and that distinct Big Red spirit. No, it wasn’t Homecoming on the Hill, but the atmosphere at the recent Cornell Entrepreneur Network event in New York City felt just as electric. Held at the sleek WilmerHale offices, “How to Leap into Entrepreneurship” brought together a diverse group of Cornell alumni – all eager to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

From Big Red Beginnings to Startup Success

This wasn’t just another networking event with stale coffee and even staler business cards. The organizers, a powerhouse duo of the Cornell Entrepreneur Network and Cornell Alumni Career Programs, crafted an experience designed to inspire, educate, and foster genuine connections.

Imagine this: you’re a Cornell alum, maybe you’re itching to ditch the corporate grind or you’ve got this killer idea burning a hole in your Google Docs. You’re surrounded by fellow Cornellians who “get it,” and, even better, you’re hearing from those who’ve been there, done that, and have the startup scars (and successes) to prove it. That’s the kind of environment that sparks true entrepreneurial fire.

Alumni Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage

Two Cornell grads, at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, stepped into the spotlight to share their ventures and seek guidance from the panelists:

• Joe Gelber (MBA ’18): Remember the days of trying to shove a pizza box into a recycling bin? Joe’s on a mission to make recycling way less rage-inducing with his innovative recycling efficiency machine. He’s looking for user feedback – because who knows recycling pain points better than frustrated recyclers?
• Eric Farng (MEng ’04): Learning a new language? Forget those dusty textbooks! Eric’s developing an AI-powered language learning app that’s like stepping into a virtual classroom in another country. His focus? Getting that beta-testing feedback to perfect the immersive experience.

A Panel of Trailblazers

Guiding our aspiring entrepreneurs was a panel of seasoned Cornell alumni who’ve navigated the exhilarating, and often unpredictable, world of startups. They weren’t just there to talk the talk; these panelists were ready to share the real-deal, nitty-gritty insights that only come from experience:

• Lauren Berson (’04): As CEO and co-founder of Conceive (a digital health company), Lauren knows a thing or two about disrupting industries.
• Marissa Saporta (’99): Marissa’s the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Gorilla Commerce, proving that Cornellians don’t just build businesses – they build empires.
• Siwat Siengsanaoh (MBA ’15): Ever craved a beverage that’s as good for you as it is delicious? Meet Siwat, the co-founder of Recoup Beverage, Inc., who’s changing the beverage game, one sip at a time.

And keeping the energy high and the conversation flowing? None other than Chris Donohoe (’09), an Executive Coach who knows how to get those entrepreneurial juices flowing.