Full Breakdown
Entrepreneurs Pitch Innovative Ideas on "Meet the Drapers" in Salt Lake City
3/24/2026, 5:43:29 PM
Live Pitch Event Highlights Entrepreneurial Spirit
On a recent Friday, a group of entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to venture capitalists during a live recording of "Meet the Drapers" at the University of Utah. Created by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, the show follows a "Shark Tank" format, allowing entrepreneurs to compete for investments while showcasing their stories and the decision-making processes of top investors. This particular episode featured five entrepreneurs, four of whom have connections to the University of Utah.
Among the participants was Kristina Schiffman, an undergraduate who pitched her startup, UV Sense, a wearable device designed to monitor real-time UV exposure and alert users when to seek shade. Schiffman emphasized the importance of her product in Utah, which has the highest melanoma rates in the United States, stating, "The main cause of skin cancer is sunburn. We're intervening before a sunburn occurs."
Competition Results and Future Prospects
After several hours of pitches and deliberations, Tim Draper announced that Rif Care, co-founded by Val Emanuel, was the winner of the episode. Rif Care specializes in menstrual products made from upcycled hemp fiber, aiming to provide premium and accessible options. Emanuel's motivation for starting the company stemmed from personal experiences, including a miscarriage and a subsequent search for healthier alternatives to conventional menstrual products.
Emanuel expressed the potential impact of winning the competition, stating, "One million (dollars) would be life-changing for us... If we raise $600,000, we'd be able to help 20,000 women; with a million dollars, we can help 100,000 women and then from there, help a million women." Currently, Rif Care products are available in 400 stores across the U.S.
Draper's Commitment to Utah's Entrepreneurial Landscape
Tim Draper, who has a history of supporting entrepreneurship in Utah, remarked on the thriving business environment in the state. He noted his involvement in launching Wasatch Global Investors, Utah's first venture fund, and his sponsorship of the annual Utah Entrepreneur Challenge, which awards $75,000 in prizes to student teams from various universities. Draper stated, "I am a big fan of Utah. Entrepreneurship here is just thriving."
Official Statements & Responses
Draper's enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial spirit in Utah was evident throughout the event, as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring "Meet the Drapers" to Salt Lake City. The show's format not only provides exposure for entrepreneurs but also serves as a platform for innovative ideas that could potentially transform industries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The main cause of skin cancer is sunburn. We're intervening before a sunburn occurs,” — Kristina Schiffman, Founder of UV Sense
- “One million (dollars) would be life-changing for us,” — Val Emanuel, Co-founder of Rif Care
- “Entrepreneurship here is just thriving.” — Tim Draper, Venture Capitalist
This event exemplifies the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in Utah and highlights the potential for innovative startups to gain visibility and support through platforms like "Meet the Drapers."
