Great Vibes and Big Ideas: Launch Chapel Hill Kicks Off Cohort 25 Demo Day

Student entrepreneurs took the stage to showcase their innovative ideas to an audience eager to witness the future of startups.

Daniel Meskill pitches SolveCircle at the Launch Chapel Hill Cohort 25 Demo Day
August 26, 2024
By Jessica Fowler

Launch Chapel Hill kicked off Cohort 25’s Demo Day with a vibrant celebration at their brand-new location, the Junction. The event was marked by an enthusiastic gathering of entrepreneurs, students and community members, all eager to hear from UNC-Chapel Hill student innovators. Attendees were welcomed with an exciting atmosphere that blended innovation and camaraderie.

“Demo Day is the culmination of everything we have learned and achieved by participating in Launch’s 25th cohort,” said Daniel Meskill of SolveCircle, a member of the Summer 2024 startup accelerator cohort. “From completing customer discovery to pivoting on our ideas to mastering the art of the pitch, Launch has equipped us with the skills not only for this special night but also for all future ventures we develop. No matter where our entrepreneurial path takes us, it all started in Chapel Hill.”

Sophia Mao (Jobbly.io) pitches her innovative ideas as a part of Launch Chapel Hill Cohort 25 Demo Day.

Created via a partnership between UNC-Chapel Hill, the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County, Launch Chapel Hill is a startup accelerator program supporting startups in the local community and from the university. 

The highlight of Demo Day was undoubtedly the student pitches delivered by the summer Launch cohort. These entrepreneurs showcased their cutting-edge ideas and business models, impressing the audience with their creativity and potential.

“Launch’s Demo Day is a showcase of the incredible student-led ventures that are laser-focused on solving real-world problems,” said Ian Baltutis, Director of Launch Chapel Hill. “These emerging entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they’re revolutionizing how students learn, how Main Street thrives, and how employees succeed. This is where innovation meets impact, and Chapel Hill is leading the charge.”

In addition to the presentations, the evening was an experience that encouraged mingling and networking. The event not only celebrated the launch of Cohort 25 but also reinforced the strong sense of community that defines Launch Chapel Hill, making it a truly unforgettable evening.