Step into our dynamic Entrepreneurial Summer Internship (ESI) Program, where ten remarkable student teams are granted a transformative summer job opportunity. During the season, they will have the opportunity to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit, crafting businesses from scratch, and accessing top-tier mentors, educational workshops, and a generous stipend. Meet our entrepreneurs and discover what inspires them and fuels their journey.
Meet Zachary Kanemy, Founder of ViaVerve
What does your company do?
ViaVerve is revolutionizing the energy drink industry with a healthy, sustainable, and socially responsible caffeine solution. We’re achieving this with a 100% natural, five-ingredient formula, eco-friendly packaging, and a commitment to donate 15% of our profits towards building water wells in underprivileged communities. By supporting ViaVerve, you’re not just choosing an energy drink—you’re helping a vision of a healthier, more sustainable future!
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
What drew me to entrepreneurship is the freedom to create and innovate. I’ve always had ideas for starting my own business, but only recently have I developed the drive and courage to realize these ideas. I quickly became hooked, as learning was both enjoyable and fulfilling. I was determined to leave no possibility unexplored and never wanted to ask myself, "What if...?" This drive fuels my entrepreneurial journey, pushing me to pursue my passions and ensuring I will have no regrets in the future.
Elaborate on your business venture. What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
Health-focused individuals need a way to boost their energy healthily and sustainably. Research indicates that nearly 50% of energy drink consumers are influenced by health-related factors, yet the industry significantly contributes to harmful environmental practices. Through consumer interviews and my own experiences, it’s clear that many consumers feel guilty and dissatisfied when purchasing traditional energy drinks. This highlights a pressing need for a solution that aligns with their values of health and sustainability. Our unique approach involves creating a new 5 ingredient formula that we are working on with formulation specialists. This ensures a healthy alternative to most energy drinks with upwards of 30 ingredients. We are also packaging sustainably while putting profits to good use with our giveback program, ultimately creating a product consumers can feel good about buying.
What are you hoping to accomplish over the summer at ESI?
With the fantastic opportunity of ESI, I want to learn and grow as an entrepreneur and use these invaluable lessons and skills moving forward in my life. I also want to launch ViaVerve by the beginning of the upcoming school year to utilize the massive consumer base that the campus student body provides.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
If ViaVerve had a theme song, I think it would be "Happy" by Pharrell Williams because it encompasses the feeling I want my product to provide consumers.
Who is your biggest entrepreneurial inspiration?
My biggest entrepreneurial inspiration is Walter Bond. His insights reshaped my thinking from an early age, making me realize the potential of entrepreneurship. Thanks to him, I started considering this path much earlier in life and found the confidence to pursue my dreams. One book I highly recommend to aspiring student entrepreneurs is "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss. This book provides invaluable insights into understanding and communicating with people while offering expert advice on negotiation. A powerful quote from the book is, “You fall to your highest level of preparation.”