|
|
Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
|
|
March 2025
Dear All NYU SPS Incubator Members,
As we step into spring, the energy at the HI Hub Incubator is electric! Our founders, mentors, and industry leaders continue to push the boundaries of innovation, and this month has been a testament to that momentum.
We kicked things off with our Bridging Generations event, where Joshua Yunatanov (Fall 2023 Cohort Alum) shared invaluable insights with the Fall 2024 cohort. His advice on navigating the startup world and preparing for Pitch Day 2025 left attendees inspired and equipped for the road ahead.
March also brought us an unforgettable Master Class with Melina Gerosa Bellows. In Joy Ride: How Happiness Can Drive Success in Your Career and Life, Bellows reminded us that joy isn’t just a byproduct of success—it’s the driving force behind it. With stories from her career in publishing and media, she left us with one key takeaway: “Never stay in a place where you aren’t having fun.”
Beyond these events, our community continues to thrive with thought-provoking conversations. Mentors like Eddie Bergman and Robin Wilson shared their wisdom on risk-taking and career pivots, offering fresh perspectives for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, AI continues to shape the future of travel and hospitality—read more in our featured PhocusWire articles about AI’s impact on pricing strategies, customer experiences, and the hospitality tech landscape.
With so much happening, there’s no better time to get involved. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, applications for the 2025 Incubator Cohort are now open—don’t miss this opportunity to turn your vision into reality!
And finally, mark your calendars for April 21. The stakes are high as the Fall 2024 finalists take the stage for the HI Hub Incubator Pitch Contest at Google HQ. With a $20,000 prize on the line, expect bold ideas, brilliant pitches, and game-changing innovations.
Get ready for Pitch Day—it’s going to be big!
See you there!
Dr. K
Director, HI Hub Incubator
| |
| 2025 Pitch Your Passion Day!
| |
| Join us for the HI HUB Incubator Pitch Contest on April 21. Finalists from the Fall 2024 Cohort will deliver high-stakes elevator pitches—concise, compelling presentations designed to capture investor interest in just eight minutes. These entrepreneurs will showcase their business models, market strategies, and financial plans to a panel of judges, competing for a $20,000 prize. Attend this event to witness innovative ideas take shape and network with industry leaders.
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 2pm-5pm EST
Location: Hybrid - via Google Meet or in person at Google HQ
Note: Google HQ has limited capacity but Google Meet is available to all
| |
| Are you ready to take your idea to the next level? The HI Hub Incubator is now accepting applications for its 2025 Cohort. This program offers a unique opportunity for mentorship, resources, and support as you grow your venture. Don't miss your chance to be part of this dynamic initiative. Apply today! A maximum of six teams will be invited to participate in the program.
| |
Bridging Generations: HI Hub Incubator Connections Event Recap
On February 11, 2025, the HI-Hub Incubator welcomed Joshua Yunatanov (Fall 2023 Cohort Alum), who shared his valuable insights on startups and advice for Pitch Day 2025. The Fall 2024 cohort and those interested in applying for next year's program walked away from this discussion feeling more confident and prepared for what was to come. It was an intimate, engaging event filled with shared entrepreneurial ideas and experiences.
| |
Spring 2025 Master Class Recap
On March 4, 2025, the HI Hub Incubator had the pleasure of hosting Melina Gerosa Bellows, an accomplished author and media executive, for a Master Class titled, "Joy Ride: How Happiness Can Drive Success in Your Career and Life."
In Bellows' Master Class, she emphasized the importance of having fun as a guiding force--helping individuals make better decisions, stay motivated, and ultimately lead to more fulfilling lives. She drew on her extensive career experiences working at several magazines, including Premiere Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Ladies Home Journal, and National Geographic Kids. She's also successfully pivoted and expanded her career to publishing and writing.
Bellows reminds us of her key message: to "never stay in a place where you aren't having fun." The Master Class was an inspiring testament that fun and success are not opposing forces but, rather, essential ingredients for a meaningful career and life.
| |
| Get to Know Your Mentors and Investors!
| |
Eddie Bergman
How do you overcome risk when it comes to making business decisions?
Risk is unavoidable. However, individuals have different risk tolerances, and there are strategies to mitigate downsides, such as insurance. Ultimately, as a business owner, you are responsible for making tough decisions, to take the leap or not. If you decide to take a risk, make sure your team, advisors, and mentors are aware and prepared to jump with you. Surprises in business are rarely good and transparency with stakeholders is key. When risks pay off, those who supported you can share in the success.
| |
Robin WilsonHow has your career path changed up until now?
I love telling the story of my career – pivoting from a corporate role to entrepreneurship – because it shows that many careers do not have a straight line, and you must take an opportunity when it arises, particularly if you have an opportunity to learn, gain new skills or you will achieve a lifelong goal.
| |
Startup Stage: Walkway helps activity providers grow through its AI-powered platform
Tour operators have long relied on guesswork for pricing—until now. Walkway uses AI-driven insights to provide real-time pricing intelligence and competitive benchmarking, helping operators maximize revenue. With industry experts from Airbnb and Kayak leading the way, Walkway is set to transform the experience sector. Read more below to see how.
Read the full article by PhocusWire
| |
How AI is changing the face of travel
From personalized ads to real-time flight adjustments, AI is reshaping the travel experience in ways travelers don’t even realize. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI enhances pricing strategies, demand forecasting, and customer interactions, making trips smoother and more personalized. As cloud and data services power this shift, travel companies must embrace AI to stay competitive.
Read more below to see how AI is redefining the industry.
| |
Is an "app-ocalypse" nigh for hospitality tech as AI agents advance?
As AI agents evolve from passive assistants to autonomous operators, the hospitality industry faces a major shift. Hotels have long relied on fragmented tech stacks for reservations, check-ins, and guest services—but AI could soon eliminate inefficiencies, automate operations, and redefine the guest experience. Will hospitality apps survive, or are they on the verge of an "app-ocalypse"?
Read more below to explore the future of AI in hospitality.
| |
|
Quote of the Month
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
- Peter Drucker
| |
|
|
|
|
