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Cocovana Places 2nd in 2015 National U.Pitch Competition with Shark Tanks' Daymond John!

December 07, 2015 1 min read

Cocovana Founder, Sheldon Barrett placed 2nd at the 2015 U.Pitch College Elevator Pitch Competition by advancing to the finals to pitch Shark Tank investor Daymond John and 6 other judges in front of hundreds! Cocovana was one of the 24 national collegiate companies selected to pitch at this event in Downtown Chicago. Barrett was the only student entrepreneur selected from the state of Florida. Check out the epic pitch in the video below!

This was the first time Barrett did a live demo of the Coconut Twist which blew away the judges and audience! Barrett poured the judges fresh coconut water, and handed them an optional small bottle of rum. Daymond John said "great pitch" which is high praise coming from an investor who has heard thousands of pitches. Daymond John also gave Barrett a signed copy of his latest book, The Brand Within.

U.Pitch is an initiative of the Future Founders Startup program, a dynamic platform to engage, equip and empower collegiate entrepreneurs. The program is funded by Capital One, The Coleman Foundation, The John E. & Jeanne T. Hughes Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, and Accenture. This was an amazing experience for Cocovana that wouldn't be possible without these sponsors as well as the University of Florida, Future Founders, and specifically Katie Sowa!

Cocovana Sheldon Barrett 2015 National U.Pitch College Pitch Competition Chicago Coconut Twist

Cocovana Sheldon Barrett 2015 National U.Pitch College Pitch Competition Chicago Coconut Twist Stage Elevator Pitching Water Shark Tank Daymond John Future Founders

Cocovana Sheldon Barrett 2015 National U.Pitch College Pitch Competition Chicago Coconut Twist Winner Check Capital One Future Founders

Cocovana Sheldon Barrett 2015 National U.Pitch College Pitch Competition University of Florida Center For Entrepreneurship Innovation Coconut Twist Winner Check