This summer, Entrepreneurship@DU launches its first-ever Summer BASE Camp accelerator. This entrepreneurial bootcamp featured a competitive pool of applicants with all sorts of impressive startups. Now, meet the seven ventures that will take part in Summer 2022 BASE Camp.
Jacen Wilkins
Andrew Moore
ChaiGo is ready-to-drink bottled Chai designed as a healthy caffeine boost. Co-founded by Andrew Moore (BSBA 2024) and Jacen Wilkins (BSBA 2023), this homemade chai is perfect for the on-the-go adventurer. Wilkins describes ChaiGo as “a labor of love” that can serve as a healthy substitute to coffee or energy drinks. Anyone who loves the outdoors should grab this tasty chai before heading out on their next hike or camping trip!
Julianne Lukens
Mezzanine is a social club and ceramic studio for everyday artists. Founded by Julianne Lukens (DMBA 2023), this startup hopes to eliminate overlong waitlists and inflated studio fees for its patrons. This coworking space takes Lukens’s personal passion and turns it into a business venture. We look forward to seeing how this art space will enrich the city of Denver!
Chennelle Diong
GoodLove Foods is revolutionizing what it means to be gluten free. Founded by Chennelle Diong (MBA 2022), these frozen, ready-to-bake products provide healthy gluten-free options that don’t sacrifice fresh ingredients and flavor. These nostalgic dishes include biscuits, cinnamon rolls and puff pastries.
Raluca Alexandrescu
Clare Whetsel
Illegal Oats is taking bold strides in the insect-protein market. Founded by Clare Whetzel (BSBA 2023), this startup uses mealworm powder to make exceptionally healthy and tasty protein bars while destigmatizing alternative sources of protein. Illegal Oats has been featured on Good Day Sacramento, and since its creation it has become a staple of the Denver farmers market scene. Raluca Alexandrescu (MS 2022), associate of Illegal Oats, will participate in BASE Camp as well.
Evan Masterson
JunkBags, founded by Evan Masterson (BA 2024), is a new-age interior design company that aims to use recycled products to reduce plastic waste. Masterson aims to eliminate the need to purchase from “big box” stores whose short-term furniture consistently ends up in landfills. Masterson says JunkBags will also enter the stress ball market, since its sustainable, open-cell foam provides a nice heavy feel in the hand.
Vishesh Adlakha
La Fuori, founded by Vishesh Adlakha (MBA 2023), is a sustainable fashion startup that can be found in over 250 boutiques across the U.S. The brand creates products that serve several market tiers, providing wide appeal and visibility in the sustainable fashion market.
Emily Lloyd
Sports Relationships, founded by Emily Lloyd (DMBA 2023), is a consulting startup designed to educate college sports coaches and teams on relationship skills, emotional intelligence and trust-building. Studies show that nearly 75% of NCAA athletes are disappointed in their college athletics experience, and many report experiencing some form of emotional abuse from their coaches. Lloyd’s venture aims to create positive experiences for athletes and coaches on any college campus.