The team from SmartestK12 aim to help teachers in the classroom, but the Knapp competition might prove to be their greatest lesson yet. “Winning would be an honor and a sincere stamp of validation,” says Craig Jones, SmartestK12 co-founder and CEO. “However, winners and losers are not picked in entrepreneurship. Each team will succeed if they can truly solve a customer pain point and execute on their vision.”
According to the company, SmartestK12 is a classroom tool that helps teachers manage and grade student responses quickly and easily. The tool allows teachers to turn documents into online assignments, generate data analytics on student performance and share that information with parents and administrators.
Co-founder and COO/CFO Kevin McFarland says UCLA has played a key role in the company’s development. “It’s been pivotal to have early access to investors, mentors and peer review,” he says. “It’s all made our entrepreneurial journey possible.” Jones agrees. “The Price Center and Wolfen Family led the way, while countless classes and classmates have helped us get off the ground. We are just grateful for those that have supported us and will continue to do so after we leave,” he says.
Like any good entrepreneur, the team has used every resource at its disposal to move their vision forward, honing their vision while accelerating their growth curve. “Betsy and Bud Knapp had the vision to ensure UCLA Anderson's commitment to entrepreneurship, and it is our goal to take advantage of the opportunity,” Jones says. “To join this incredible legacy is a special way to close out our time here at UCLA Anderson.”
For more Knapp information, head to their Anderson page or their homepage.
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