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Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship & Business Ethics

» Panther Cage Match

Panther Cage Match is a “Shark Tank”-style competition hosted by Chapman University’s Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics. Teams or individuals submit their applications for the competition, and chosen finalists pitch their business, product, service, or concept to a second set of judges at the Panther Cage Match event. The competition is open to Chapman students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

2022 Panther Cage Match Winner - Safe Title

2022 Panther Cage Match Winner - Safe Title

Best Overall: Safe Title

Fan Favorite: Collegial

Best Emerging: FUN!D & Collegial

The event would not have been possible without the hard work and vision of many people in Leatherby Center and the larger Argyros School community. Among that group are the Argyros School faculty members and judges who served as student mentors leading up to and continuing after the Panther Cage Match.

Photos from the 2022 Panther Cage Match

How to Apply 

Email entrepreneurs@chapman.edu. 

  • Requirements
  • Judging Criteria
  • Awards
  • Corporate Partners
  • Please use the pitch deck found here.
  • Section 1: Clarity of individual/team presentation

    Section 2: Value created by the new product/services

    Section 3: Attractiveness of the market opportunity

    Section 4: Competitive advantage of the proposed venture

    Section 5: Operational and technology viability 

    Section 6: Capability of the management team

    Section 7: Capital requirements and financial forecast

    Section 8: Exit Strategy 

  • Best Overall: $3,000.00 cash

    Fan Favorite: $500.00 cash

    Best Emerging: $500.00 cash

  • Thank you to our corporate partners that have agreed to donate consulting time to our finalists.

    Camuti Law Group

    KPMG

    Levitt Law

    Agency Sherwood

    Omni Group 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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The Leatherby Center is an incubator for startups. We offer a structured program guiding entrepreneurs from idea to business plan. Students, staff, and alumni may apply.

Get Involved


Learn about the multiple ways to get involved by visiting our various program pages.