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[Coral Gables, FL, February 2024] – The Launch Pad is excited to announce the appointment of three accomplished entrepreneurs as Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs). This strategic initiative is designed to provide students, alums, faculty, and staff access to real-world mentors and innovators in business.

Meet Our New Entrepreneurs in Residence:

1.Betsy Earle –

Betsy P. Earle is a marketing consultant, speaker, and trainer, as well as the Managing Director and Founder of Event Driven Solutions. Betsy works closely with her clients to execute successful trade show programs and exhibit designs, as well as on their marketing programs. She is a Diamond-Level CTSM (Certified Trade Show & Event Marketer) through Northern Illinois University. Betsy obtained her MBA at the University of Miami, with a concentration in Marketing & Statistics, and her BA and BS at the University of Rhode Island. She also completed her Certificate in Entrepreneurship with Babson College through the 10KSB Program, funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation, and her Certificate of Residential Interior Design with the University of Central Florida.

2. Gianni D’Alerta – Tech Innovator and Serial Entrepreneur

A venerated technologist, branding specialist, and marketing maestro, he brings over two decades of invaluable industry experience to his role of co-founder and guide at Purple Horizons. Gianni’s professional journey began during the dot com boom and has seen him make significant contributions to industry-defining projects, including the development of Ethereum, where he was a founding member, and Alienware, where he crafted an iconic identity still recognized by millions today. His stellar track record in spearheading global branding initiatives, alongside his innovative work in the blockchain industry, underscores his commitment to staying on the cutting edge of technology. Notably, Gianni co-founded Miami NFT Week, an event that brought together industry heavyweights and tech enthusiasts alike. With Purple Horizons, Gianni continues his mission of demystifying the complexities of emerging tech, ensuring businesses are not just prepared for the future, but are empowered to shape it. His vision for Purple Horizons is of a beacon guiding businesses towards their own horizon of limitless potential.

3. Nicole Greene– Biotech Visionary and Academic Leader**

Nicole Greene is a native Miamian whose parents met as UM students in the 1960s. Nicole is a 3rd generation entrepreneur, 3x founder and an Operator to her core, with experience building high-performance teams, standing up new verticals + processes to drive revenue growth and leading companies through early-stage growth and scaling. Nicole co-founded a health technology company during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly stood up clinical, client and product operations to deliver urgent care via telemedicine to residents of Skilled Nursing Facilities across the country. Prior to that, Nicole built and ran the product development vertical for the nation’s #1 baby and parent brand, Frida, launching over 60 successful products in under 2 years. Nicole mentors women founders as part of The Launch Pad’s Women Making Moves program, drawing on her personal experience, including starting, scaling and selling an artisan confectionery business. Nicole started her career as a Presidential Management Fellow in the US Defense Department. She has an MBA with Honors from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University and an MA and BA from The University of Chicago.

 

Register and Request a Meeting Today!

This historic initiative will allow all of our clients to experience a variety of knowledge and information. Simply request a meeting with us to discuss and pursue your venture. Along with consulting the EIR’s will be producing resources, judging competitions, and mentors in our various programs. By connecting students, alums, faculty, and staff with seasoned entrepreneurs, the center aims to cultivate the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the dynamic world of business.

We look forward to the inspiring contributions these three EIRs will bring to our community and are confident that their diverse experiences will enhance the entrepreneurial journey for all involved.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
hello@thelaunchpad.org