CSUF Entrepreneurship

Category: Success Stories

The Entrepreneurial Journey of Woo Kim: Innovation and Impact through LynkMe Cards

Starting a business takes more than just a great idea—it requires dedication, strategic thinking, and the willingness to embrace challenges. For Woo Kim, a CSUF alumnus and entrepreneur, the path to launching his successful venture, LynkMe Cards, was paved with valuable lessons learned through the CSUF Startup Incubator, real-world experience, and a passion for building…

March 14, 2025
CSUF Alum Marlene Mardirossian on Transforming Missed Connections with New App, Drop Socials

Co-founded by Cal State Fullerton alumna Marlene Mardirossian, Drop Socials is the groundbreaking app that turns everyday missed connections into real, meaningful relationships. Whether you’re looking to connect romantically, socially, or professionally, Drop Socials uses geolocation to help you find and engage with people in your direct proximity—no more what-ifs! From CSUF to Startup Success…

February 7, 2025
Spotlight on Entrepreneurial Excellence: Rachel Littell and Ziggy Bars

Entrepreneurship often stems from solving personal challenges and finding innovative solutions. Rachel Littell, a proud graduate of Cal State Fullerton’s Entrepreneurship program, embodies this spirit through her journey of creating Ziggy Bars—a nutritious snack brand that aims to make a difference for kids and parents alike. The Genesis of Ziggy Bars Rachel’s entrepreneurial journey started…

January 11, 2025
🎉 Congratulations to the Winners of the 2024 Titan Fast Pitch! 🎉

On Saturday, November 9, the Titan Student Union was buzzing with excitement as over 150 attendees gathered to watch talented students—from middle school to university—compete in our 12th annual Titan Fast Pitch Finals. The energy was incredible, and the pitches were truly inspiring! And we have pictures from the competition at the end of this…

November 11, 2024
Beyond Barriers 2024: CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Delhi

Earlier this month, representatives from the Cal State Fullerton Center for Entrepreneurship attended the inspiring Beyond Barriers 2024 event in New Delhi, India. This event marked a year-long collaboration between our Center and Yuukke, a dedicated organization working to empower women entrepreneurs in India. Beyond Barriers was more than a celebration—it was a platform where…

November 11, 2024
Building a Financial Baseline Model for Your Startup: Insights from Ritu Thakur

For entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, having a clear understanding of financial planning is crucial. To help startups build a solid foundation, CSUF Startup Speaker Series recently hosted Ritu Thakur, founder of Smart Tech Inc., who provided a comprehensive overview of how to create a financial baseline model for startups. With her extensive experience…

October 30, 2024
From Video Games to Saving Lives: The Incredible Story of Bryan Ruef and 10-8 Systems

Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places. For Bryan Ruef, founder of 10-8 Systems, it all started as a side project that combined his love for technology and helping others. Today, that side project has become an important tool that helps emergency services in 49 states. Bryan’s journey shows how hard work, problem-solving, and…

October 11, 2024
10-8 Systems, Founded by CSUF Alumni Bryan Ruef and Brother Kevin, Expanding into Mobile Command Centers

10-8 Systems, founded by CSUF alumni Bryan Ruef and his brother Kevin, is making waves in the emergency management industry with its expansion into mobile command centers. The company’s innovative approach provides emergency responders with real-time communication and coordination tools that can be crucial in high-pressure situations. The cutting-edge software developed by 10-8 Systems transforms…

September 26, 2024
How Ryan Paules Led Radar Promotions to Inc. 5000 Success with 833% Growth

In the world of entrepreneurship, few achievements are as prestigious as making it onto the Inc. 5000 list—a recognition reserved for the fastest-growing private companies in America. This year, Ryan Paules, founder of Radar Promotions, proudly claimed the #534 spot on this coveted list, a testament to his company’s remarkable 833% growth over the past…

August 16, 2024
From Setbacks to Success: The Journey of Ryan Paules and Radar Promotions

In the world of entrepreneurship, success is often portrayed as a linear journey—a straight path from idea to execution to prosperity. However, the reality is much more complex, filled with unexpected twists, daunting challenges, and invaluable learning experiences. Few embody this journey more vividly than Ryan Paules, the founder of Radar Promotions, which recently earned…

August 15, 2024