Switcher Studio -- a tech startup founded by Bellarmine graduates Nick Mattingly and Dan Petrik -- won a $23,000 prize at the seventh annual Venture Sharks competition in Louisville yesterday.
This is the third year in a row that a company led by Bellarmine graduates has earned the top prize at Venture Sharks, a pitch competition for area startup businesses. This year, four finalists were selected from
more than 40 entrants to pitch their business to a panel of investors.
Switcher Studio has developed an affordable, easy-to-use platform for live video streaming via the web, or through services like YouTube. Petrik graduated from Bellarmine in 2009 with a business administration degree, while Mattingly earned a communication
degree in 2010.
Mattingly told Insider Louisville that the timing was great,
as the company prepares to launch a new product in June. The prize includes $5,000 in cash, along with $18,000 in free professional services, including website development, branding strategy and legal work.
Mattingly says support from his
professors and his involvement with Bellarmine Radio laid the groundwork for his current entrepreneurial success.
"I’ve always been wired for technology, but the campus radio station and support of the faculty and staff in the School
of Communication ultimately allowed me and the other students at the station to grow in our own way," said Mattingly. "Being a director at Bellarmine Radio prepared me for a leadership role and gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience with
some of the audio and video tools that inspired what I do today."
Past Venture Sharks winners led by Bellarmine graduates:
- 2015 - Logjustrips (Steve Arkon, '14 EMBA)
- 2014 - Gear Brake (Chris Bailey '14 EMBA & Jason Harrington '14 EMBA)
- 2012 - Wicked Sheets (Alli Truttmann '06)