Full Breakdown
Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovations on "Meet the Drapers" in Salt Lake City
3/27/2026, 12:44:03 PM
Live Pitch Event Highlights Entrepreneurial Spirit
On a recent Friday, a group of aspiring 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 operates similarly to "Shark Tank," where entrepreneurs vie for investments while sharing their stories and innovations. The event, held at the Lassonde Studios, featured five entrepreneurs, four of whom are affiliated with the University of Utah.
Among the participants was Kristina Schiffman, an undergraduate who pitched her startup, UV Sense. This wearable device, paired with a smartphone app, tracks real-time UV exposure, aiming to prevent sunburn—a significant concern in Utah, which has the highest melanoma rates in the United States. Schiffman emphasized the importance of her product, stating, "The main cause of skin cancer is sunburn. We're intervening before a sunburn occurs."
Winner Advances to Semifinals
After several hours of presentations and deliberations, Val Emanuel, co-founder and CEO of Rif Care, was announced as the winner of the event. Rif Care is a period care brand that produces menstrual products using upcycled hemp fiber, aiming to provide premium and accessible options. Emanuel founded the company after experiencing personal health challenges, which led her to seek alternative materials for menstrual products. She 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 a million women."
Draper's Commitment to Utah's Entrepreneurial Landscape
Tim Draper, who has a history of supporting entrepreneurship in Utah, remarked on the thriving entrepreneurial spirit 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 business teams. Draper stated, "I am a big fan of Utah... I'm definitely glad that 'Meet the Drapers' America came to Salt Lake."
Official Statements & Responses
Draper’s enthusiasm for Utah's entrepreneurial ecosystem reflects a broader commitment to fostering innovation in the region. The event not only provided exposure for the participating entrepreneurs but also highlighted the potential for significant investments in local startups.
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
This event underscores the importance of platforms like "Meet the Drapers" in connecting innovative entrepreneurs with potential investors, fostering a vibrant startup culture in Utah.
