Harvard Business School Competition Winner

Goal Five was selected to pitch at the Harvard Business School One Harvard New Venture Competition in San Francisco on March 4, 2020…and won!

Forty companies applied.  All were vetted. Twelve finalists were declared. All twelve companies pitched in front of the following three celebrity VC judges: Sonja Hoel-Perkins, Founder of Broadway Angels, Mark Stevens, Former Sequoia Capital Partner, and Zack Rinat, Founder of Model N. The audience was comprised of approximately 250 investors and entrepreneurs. Each company had three minutes to pitch, and five minutes to answer questions from the judges. 

Word on the street: San Francisco pitch contest is considered one of the most competitive regions/competitions!

“Excitement was in the air as the venue teamed with budding and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors. There was a spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, that made me feel quite welcome and supported” said Ann Kletz, Goal Five Co-Founder and CEO.

Guest speaker, Michelle Zatlyn, Co-Founder and COO of Cloudflare kicked off the evening with a riveting speech about start-up and founder leadership before the 12 pitches began. Many finalists were mission-driven companies that were disrupting industries while trying to do good in the world. It was an honor for Goal Five to be participating as a finalist among this group!

After the finalists fielded questions from judges, Goal Five was announced as the winner! “The feelings of shock and gratitude were a bit overwhelming, to be honest. For me and my team, winning this contest delivered a vote of confidence that will stick with us as we continue to build this wonderful company” said Ann. 

This contest has opened up new doors for Goal Five. Our team is leveraging this experience and continues to grow the company so that we are able to produce beautiful, premium quality gear for female athletes, while pushing forward for equal play!