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Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
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April 2025
Dear NYU SPS Incubator Friends,
Welcome to the April 2025 edition of the HI Hub Incubator Newsletter! This month brings extraordinary momentum as we welcome Mark Cuban—renowned entrepreneur, investor, and star of Shark Tank—for an exclusive session with our NYU community. In addition to sharing his powerful insights on innovation, disruption, and the future of entrepreneurship, Mr. Cuban will also serve as one of the judges during our upcoming Pitch Your Passion Day, held at Google HQ.
This rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in business underscores our mission: to empower emerging founders with the knowledge, support, and visibility they need to succeed. As we open applications for the 2025 Incubator Cohort and gear up for an exciting pitch competition, this newsletter is packed with updates, resources, and tools curated to help you grow, scale, and thrive.
Whether you’re preparing to pitch, launching your first product, or exploring your next big idea, I invite you to dive into this issue with focus and ambition. Let’s continue to learn, build, and innovate—together.
Onward,
Dr. K
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Navigating the Future: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in a Rapidly Changing WorldJoin us for an exclusive session with Mark Cuban, renowned entrepreneur, investor, and star of ABC’s Shark Tank. In this engaging talk, Mr. Cuban will share his journey from a bold startup founder to an influential business leader, offering powerful insights into the evolving world of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Students will gain perspective on leveraging emerging technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and developing strategies for success in today’s fast-moving business landscape. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the most visionary minds in business today.
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| 2025 Pitch Your Passion Day!
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| 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: We are currently at capacity to attend in person at Google HQ. However, attending via Google Meet is still available. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.)
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| 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.
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Resources for EntrepreneursCalling all entrepreneurs! Looking to sharpen your skills, grow your network, or find the right tools to level up your venture? We’ve compiled a robust list of top books, podcasts, tools, newsletters, LinkedIn groups, and more - all curated specifically for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, there’s something here for you.
Check out the HI-Hub Incubator Entrepreneur Resources on our website and get inspired to build, learn, and grow.
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| Get to Know Your Mentors and Investors!
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Natalia Bayona
What advice would you give to those pursuing their first business venture?
My advice is to start learning as much as you can about your scoop of work and try always to be innovative. The more you can learn, the better you will face the challenges that will be coming. And you should try to always think further, innovating with what you are creating. It is important to understand your audience deeply and be willing to disrupt traditional models with creative solutions. Also, I would recommend building a strong network; relationships can be as valuable as resources.
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Travel startup funding and M&A activity in Q1 2025
After a promising 2024, travel startup funding cooled in Q1 2025, with under $1 billion raised—its slowest start in recent years. Yet while Series A rounds lagged, major players like TravelPerk and Klook secured sizable investments. Meanwhile, M&A activity surged, especially in travel software and expense management, with American Express, Flywire, and others making strategic acquisitions.
As generative AI reshapes the landscape, leaner startups and fierce competition signal a dynamic year ahead. Explore the full breakdown of Q1’s travel startup trends and what’s next.
Read the full article by PhocusWire
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Solopreneurs Are Quietly Building 6 to 7 Figure Empires — Here's How
Solopreneurship is no longer a backup plan—it’s a deliberate, empowering career choice. Armed with tech, automation, and a clear sense of purpose, today’s solo founders are building six- and even seven-figure businesses on their own terms. Flexible, agile, and scalable, solopreneurs are proving that you don’t need a big team to make a big impact.
Want to see how independence, innovation, and intentionality are redefining success? Read the full story below.
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6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time
Everyone gets 24 hours—but how you use them can make all the difference. From thinking like a “lazy” innovator to mastering time during commutes, these productivity hacks are all about working smarter, not harder. Whether it’s reordering your to-do list, calculating ROI on commitments, or outsourcing what drains your energy, small shifts can create a massive impact.
Want to turn minutes into momentum? Check out the full article below.
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Quote of the Month
"The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new."
- Socrates
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