WORCESTER—Last year’s WooTank winner isn’t just celebrating a past victory—it’s already making waves.
With StartUp Week Worcester set to kick off, the 2024 champion is proving that Worcester’s startup scene is more than just talk; it’s a launching pad for actual success in the real world.
Zak Dutton, executive director at Auxilium Worcester and board member at Venture Forum, which is hosting this year’s WooTank, is excited about Worcester’s growing reputation as a startup hub.
“Worcester’s rise as a startup hub is fueled by strong academic institutions, a history of innovation, and a supportive entrepreneurial network,” he told the Worcester Guardian. “It also offers an affordable, high-quality lifestyle with easy access to Boston and New York—making it an ideal place for founders to build and grow.”
StartUp Week Worcester officially launches with WooTank as its first stop, setting the stage for a weeklong showcase of innovation. “StartUp Week Worcester showcases local entrepreneurship, expands networks, and highlights successful companies in our community,” Dutton said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to engage investors, startups, students, and professionals from both inside and outside the city.
”Worcester’s startup scene is heating up, and at the center of it all is WooTank 2025, the city’s premier intercollegiate pitch competition.
On April 8, from 5-8:30 p.m. at Off the Rails, student entrepreneurs from Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Nichols College, and WPI will go head-to-head in a Shark Tank-style showdown, competing for funding, mentorship, and the chance to take their ventures to the next level.
The event, hosted by The Venture Forum, is more than just a pitch competition—it’s a launchpad for Worcester’s next big startups. Last year’s winner, College ROI, founded by WPI graduate Nick Gronda, has already made waves.
“Following their win, they secured pre-seed funding, partnered with schools reaching over 1,500 students, and landed key licensing agreements,” Venture Forum Board Chair Greg Dalle-Molle told the Worcester Guardian.
Now in its second year, WooTank has evolved into a flagship event for the inaugural StartUp Week Worcester (April 8–10), highlighting the city’s growing startup ecosystem. “Worcester’s colleges are shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, funding pathways, and structured programs that help students refine their ideas,” said Dalle-Molle.
At the heart of WooTank is real investment. Unlike many competitions that only offer theoretical support, WooTank’s panel of local investors—dubbed the “Sharks”—decide in real-time which ventures deserve funding. This year’s panel includes Steph Ramey (Auxilium), Evan Cox (Wire Group), and Kevin Anderson (Venture Meets). Their decisions are based on business viability and the founders’ ability to execute.
Why should Worcester residents and investors attend? “It’s where you’ll see Worcester’s next big startups before they take off,” said Dalle-Molle. “Beyond the competition, it’s a high-energy event packed with networking opportunities and insight into the city’s startup momentum.”
Expect pitches ranging from hydro-electric power solutions to gaming apps and e-commerce brands, showcasing the diverse innovation coming out of Worcester’s colleges.
Returning to host is Dave Peterson, general manager of the Worcester Bravehearts, whose dynamic presence and deep ties to the city’s business and entertainment scene make him the ideal host.
The choice of Off the Rails as the venue reflects WooTank’s emphasis on community-driven growth. “We hosted a Venture Forum pitch competition there recently, and the experience was fantastic,” said Dalle-Molle. “It’s a great setting that blends venture presentations with networking.”
Looking ahead, WooTank aims to expand its reach. “We want to foster more collaboration between Worcester’s colleges and add more schools in future years,” Dalle-Molle said. “The quality of student ventures is only getting stronger.”
For those interested in supporting Worcester’s next generation of entrepreneurs, the message is simple: Attend the event, mentor, or support programs that inspire you.
As Dalle-Molle put it, “The best way to grow Worcester’s startup ecosystem is to show up and be part of it.”
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? A good recipe or a funny joke? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
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