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| Mambu Raises $135M at a $2B+ Valuation for a SaaS
Platform That Powers Banking Services
Mambu, a Berlin-based startup that describes itself as an SaaS banking platform—providing, by way of APIs, technology to banks and others to power lending, deposit and other banking products—has closed a round of $135M. The funding gives Mambu a post-money valuation of just over $2B at today’s rates, the company has confirmed. CMU alumnus, CEO and co-founder Eugene Danilkis said it will use the funding to expand deeper in the 50 markets where it is already active. Read more.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS/SPECIAL EVENTS
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| Apply to the NSF I-Corps Site Program by February 8
The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship is currently recruiting teams for its Spring 2021 NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) customer discovery training program. CMU faculty, staff, students and recent alumni are eligible to apply. Teams can be reimbursed up to $2,500 for eligible customer discovery expenses to assess the commercialization potential for their STEM technology.
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Pear Pitch! for CMU - February 12th @ 6pm ET
VC's from a16z, Gradient Ventures and Pear VC are holding a 'Pitch Night' event for CMU students and alumni. This is an opportunity to practice your pitch and receive live feedback from top VCs, or just register to watch the event. Pitches will be three minutes, without slides.
Register to pitch or watch.
Note: Students can either watch or pitch. All students are routed to the web page.
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| Swartz Center Fireside Chat: YC President Geoff Ralston, and Founder and CEO of Boom, Blake Scholl
February 16, 2021
6-7 pm; EST
Join the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship at an exciting webinar/fireside chat with Y Combinator partner and President Geoff Ralston and Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom on February 16; 6-7 pm; EST. Geoff will share some of the myths that exist around starting startups, what you should do while you’re still in school if you want to start a company and how YC can help you get started!
Register here.
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Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh Virtual Startup Job Fair
March 11, 2021
12:00-3:00 PM; EST
In partnership with Handshake, CMU and Pitt are hosting a virtual 2021 Startup Job Fair on Thursday, March 11, 2021.
Past years have proven the Startup Job Fair to be a success, and this new format will provide even more reach for startups to attract top talent. Startups will have the opportunity to build their team and university students will have a chance to work in an exciting startup environment. If you have not participated in a virtual job fair, you will be given instructions and personal assistance if needed.
Eligibility and how to apply
This NO-FEE Job Fair is for startup companies up to five years old that are looking for paid positions: interns, part-time, or full-time employees. Space for virtual ‘booths’ is limited. Startups interested in participating should send the following to Erin O’Toole (erino@cmu.edu) by Friday, February 12.
Please include in your response:
- Company name
- Key contact person and contact info
- Year company was founded
For each position you are seeking:
• Type (FT, PT, intern)
• Position description: ( e.g. full-stack developer, marketing, business, etc.)
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CONNECTS/START SMART LAW Seminars
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| See the full Spring 2021 schedule here.
Can't make a CONNECTS seminar? Watch on our YouTube channel.
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| The mission of 99 Tartans is to partner with the highest potential, early-stage CMU alumni companies and accelerate their success through access to capital and networks. Please visit and find out more.
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CMU ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLUBS
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| CMU TECH & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Join the CMU T&E Board!
CMU's Tech and Entrepreneurship is expanding its board and looking for strong leaders to help drive its ambitious goals for 2021 and beyond. If interested in joining the board, apply by
Sunday, February 21, 2021.
Interested in learning more? Join the T&E Board Info Session:
Wednesday, February 10, 5 - 6:30 pm (PST) - RSVP
Check out the presentation slides in advance here.
CMU Tech & Entrepreneurship focuses on connecting the community, building an entrepreneurial culture and providing resources for our community to succeed. There are multiple region-based chapters within the group.
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CMU's Glimmer 411 Announces Launch of Curl Cupid
In honor of Black History Month, Glimmer 411, founded by Carnegie Mellon alumna Mayowa Hannah Osinowo, has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for its first product, Curl Cupid™. Glimmer 411 is a black, female, CMU alumni-led hair-tech startup that curates holistic, personalized hair care experiences that empowers its clients to reach their hair goals affordably.
Curl Cupid™ is an all-in-one web platform that includes a diagnostic quiz, personalized reports, a catalog of favorite products, along with hair care recommendations.
Support the crowdfunding campaign here.
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HOW TO WORK OUT OF THE SWARTZ CENTER
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Swartz Center Education and Resources
No matter what phase of the entrepreneurship cycle you're in, there are programs and resources at the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship that will take your idea to the next level. Find out more.
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Project Olympus Incubator Program
The Swartz Center's Project Olympus incubator program welcomes all students, faculty, staff and alumni from all schools at any stage, including social enterprise and life-style business ideas. Find out more. Sign up for Expert Office Hours.
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COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES/RESOURCES
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The VentureBridge Program
VentureBridge is an initiative of the Swartz Center to help early stage Carnegie Mellon alumni founders develop their startups into fundable seed stage ventures. This effort is outside of the traditional education model and serves as a bridge between the many different ecosystems that Carnegie Mellon University alumni live and work. Find out more.
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FIND OUT WHAT OUR PARTNERS ARE DOING
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Carnegie Mellon University Swartz Center For Entrepreneurship
5000 Forbes Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890 |
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