← Back to posts

Swayze wins NYU Stern ESA Pitch Competition

Swayze Wins NYU Stern ESA Pitch Competition: A Major Milestone for Our NYC Expansion

Swayze is thrilled to announce that we won the NYU Stern Entrepreneurship and Startup Association (ESA) Pitch Competition on February 21, 2025! This victory is a testament to our vision, innovation, and the impact we’re making in the startup ecosystem.

What is the NYU Stern ESA Pitch Competition?

The NYU Stern ESA Pitch Competition is a prestigious event bringing together some of the brightest entrepreneurs to showcase their startups before a panel of seasoned investors and business leaders. Held at NYU Stern’s KMC, the competition featured two tracks:

1. Early Spark Track (for early-stage startups)

2. Development Track (for more developed business models)

Swayze competed in the Development Track, where we had six minutes to pitch our business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy to industry experts. The competition was fierce, with top-tier startups competing for the grand prize, but our pitch stood out.

Why This Win Matters for Swayze?

New York City is a hub for startups, tech innovation, and digital marketing, making it the perfect environment for Swayze’s expansion. Our app, which empowers nano influencers to collaborate with brands through Instagram Stories in exchange for exclusive discounts, is set to disrupt the digital marketing landscape in NYC. Winning this competition validates our approach and sets the stage for our growth in the U.S. market.

Key Takeaways from the Event

Our pitch resonated with an esteemed panel, including industry leaders like Allan Boomer (Momentum Advisors), Geoffrey Schwartz (frog, NYU Stern), Hillary Bush (Groundswell), and Kiran Panjwani (FounderWay). Along with the $350 prize, we gained access to exclusive mentorship, helping us refine our strategy as we scale.The win strengthens our presence in NYC’s startup ecosystem, opening doors to new partnerships, investments, and collaborations. Also, we connected with top investors, founders, and entrepreneurs, setting the foundation for future growth. With our NYC expansion planned for early 2025, this win solidifies our confidence and market entry strategy.

Read more about our win on Linkedin!

Join Us on This Journey!

Are you a brand in NYC looking to tap into the power of authentic influencer marketing? Or a nano influencer ready to monetize your content? Swayze is here to transform digital marketing in the Big Apple. Stay tuned for updates as we make waves in New York City!

Visit swayzeapp.com to learn more and start optimizing your influencer marketing strategies today.

Swayze won the NYU Stern ESA Pitch Competition, solidifying our expansion into NYC’s startup ecosystem with validation from top investors and industry leaders. This victory strengthens our presence, unlocking new partnerships, influencer collaborations, and strategic growth opportunities in the city.
March 12, 2025