Ep 6. The Great Outdoors

In Startup U season 1 episode 6, titled "The Great Outdoors," the students are tasked with creating a business in the outdoor industry. The episode begins with the students meeting with Kevin Harrington, an entrepreneur and one of the original Sharks from Shark Tank. Kevin emphasizes the importance of finding a niche within the outdoor industry and creating a unique brand.

The students then split into groups to brainstorm their business ideas. One group decides to focus on creating high-quality outdoor gear for women, while another group plans to develop an app that connects outdoor enthusiasts with local tour guides. The third group decides to create a line of functional and stylish camping gear.

After the brainstorming session, the students pitch their ideas to investor Chris Sacca, who provides feedback and critiques. Chris emphasizes the importance of having a clear target market and setting realistic goals.

The students then head to a camping trip in the mountains to test out their products. They have the opportunity to showcase their gear and receive valuable feedback from fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The group creating women's outdoor gear receives positive feedback on the quality and design of their product. However, the app idea receives mixed reviews as some campers feel that it's unnecessary, while others see potential.

At the end of the episode, the students present their final products to the investors. The group creating camping gear receives praise for their unique designs and functionality, while the app idea is criticized for not having a clear target market. Kevin advises them to refine their idea and find a specific audience to market to.

Overall, "The Great Outdoors" episode of Startup U highlights the importance of finding a niche within the industry and creating a unique brand. The students learn valuable lessons about product development and market research while also getting the chance to test their products in real-life outdoor settings.