…NOW! My partner, Tj Barnett, and I recently competed in the UK Venture Challenge with our startup, FinanceU. Before the competition, I was talking to one of the contestants and was asked the question, “So are you a senior or an MBA student?” I laughed and with excitement answered, “I am a freshman!” Jokingly, the contestant replied, “Well, you have to start somewhere.”

Though I am only a freshman, the Venture Challenge made me realize that the best time to start my company, FinanceU, is RIGHT NOW! With $1.2 trillion in outstanding student-related debt in the U.S., there are too many deserving students without sufficient scholarship opportunities. FinanceU is an innovative, community-based platform that empowers any student to build his or her own scholarship through the process of crowdfunding.

The FinanceU team placed third in the Venture Challenge, taking home a $500 prize and a chance to compete in the Idea State U regional tournament. I was honored to compete with such talented, passionate entrepreneurs who all had great ideas.

The FinanceU team is extremely excited and eager to launch our site for all students in the Fall of 2015. Visit www.financeu.org to learn more and join the FinanceU community NOW!

Michael Lewis, FinanceU CEO