ABOUT THE FUND
The Main Street Entrepreneurs Seed Fund supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.
DuffleBox
Maiya Newton, Founder & CEO
Alumni (’19), B.B.A. Computer Information Systems and Managerial Sciences
[email protected]
PROBLEM
Athletes need to perform at their highest level. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time, money and energy to purchase individual products.
SOLUTION
DuffleBox delivers premium products to athletes to help improve performance.
BUSINESS MODEL
We sell direct to consumer and E-commerce through our website and Amazon via a subscription-based model with four pricing tiers.
TARGET MARKET
Our three different customer segments are parents of high school athletes, athletes between the ages of 18-34, and sports teams.
KEY COMPETITORS
HiitBox, GainzBox, FabFitFun
USE OF FUNDS
25% Inventory
25% Marketing
25% Operations
25% Product Development
How has your formal education/experiences at Georgia State played a role in your becoming an entrepreneur?
While at Georgia State, I engulfed myself in entrepreneurial endeavors, clubs and experiences that taught me about the basics of entrepreneurship and expanded my network. I had a double major in Computer Information Systems and Managerial Sciences. The Managerial Sciences classes specifically taught me about the basics of business including Business Law and Negotiation principles.
How has your company pivoted from its initial launch?
I had no idea what I was doing initially. Before I launched the company, I played around with the idea of having an app called DuffleApp which was going to be a crowdfunding platform for athletes.
What is the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?
The most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship can be the feeling of loneliness or like you’re doing everything by yourself and not getting anywhere (for years) with no guidance. I think this is why it’s really important to have mentors and a community of people who understand what you’re going through.
Has your company participated in any pitch competitions, accelerators, or incubators?
Yes, I have been part of several incubators. My biggest opportunity that came out of them was the network I created with other entrepreneurs.
Share a fun fact about yourself?
I have a twin sister.
FOUNDER INTERVIEW
COMING SOON
ABOUT THE FUND
The Marcus Foundation supports Georgia State student entrepreneurs, recent alumni and Georgia State community entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship to start and grow new ventures.