October 25, 2023

UGA Student’s Ox Sox Wins SEC Student Pitch Competition

Matthew Tesvich with SEC Associate Commissioner Dr. LeNá Powe McDonald and UGA Director of Entrepreneurship Bob Pinckney

By: SEC Staff
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

ATHENS, Ga. — The SEC Student Pitch Competition had a smell to it this year.

For Matthew Tesvich and Ox Sox, it was the smell of victory. The University of Georgia student’s odorless socks earned first place after competing against 12 other student-led businesses.

The top three winners included:

• First Place: Ox Sox, Matthew Tesvich (University of Georgia)
• Second Place: RaveBio, Jeremy Rutenberg and Nickolas Saavedra (University of Florida)
• Third Place: Dropllel, Parvin Fathi-Hafshejani (Auburn University)

“It honestly feels amazing,” Tesvich said of winning. “As a little kid I dreamt of playing SEC baseball. It feels like this is very similar and reminiscent to live out a dream and be a SEC champion. Just amazing.”

The judges noted that Tesvich’s presentation showed that his company was ready to go, highlighted by marketing around the pickleball community and specific endorsements.

“I think it’s the most ready for the market and he’s demonstrated success through his initial sells,” said Rob Shier, CEO of Division 12 Commercial Interiors and one of three judges for the competition. “He has the whole package in terms of marketing, presentation, proof of concept and a plan.”

Learn more about the SEC Student Pitch Competition and meet all the teams on the Terry College of Business website.

The SEC Student Pitch Competition showcases young entrepreneurs as it pits teams of students representing each SEC university against one another in an idea pitch competition. Students present their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges to determine those most worthy of a funding investment.