The Entrepreneur Roundtable brought together students, innovators, and industry leaders for an evening centered on connection, insight, and inspiration. Held on Tuesday, October 28th, the event created a welcoming and engaging atmosphere where students could enjoy food while building meaningful connections with both their peers and experienced entrepreneurs.
Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to network with a diverse panel of business leaders representing a range of industries within agriculture, life sciences, and local entrepreneurship. Julia Campbell Looney of AgroBravo shared her experience working in agricultural innovation, where her company focuses on supporting farmers and ag-based businesses through consulting and forward-thinking solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability.
Tom Nicholson from Bio Axis brought a biotechnology perspective to the conversation. Bio Axis works to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world application, helping bring innovative life science products and technologies to market. His insights highlighted the importance of adaptability and collaboration in an industry driven by constant advancement.
Bethany DeVries, owner of Della Viti, offered a unique look into entrepreneurship within the local business scene. DeVries shared how she built a brand centered around community and experience, emphasizing the importance of customer connection, creativity, and consistency in running a successful hospitality business.
Students also connected with Dakota Belling from Bovi-Jet, a company focused on improving livestock handling systems. Bovi-Jet develops practical solutions that enhance safety and efficiency for cattle producers, making it especially relevant for students interested in animal science and production agriculture.
Rounding out the panel was Mitchell Hora of Continuum Ag, a leader in regenerative agriculture and soil health. Continuum Ag provides farmers with tools and data-driven insights to improve soil performance, increase profitability, and adopt sustainable practices. His work reflects a growing shift toward more resilient and environmentally conscious farming systems.
Toward the end of the evening, students gathered to hear Mitchell Hora speak in greater depth about his entrepreneurial journey. He shared how he got Continuum Ag off the ground, along with the challenges he faced along the way. From overcoming early obstacles to staying committed during uncertain times, Hora’s story offered a realistic and motivating perspective on what it takes to build a business. His emphasis on persistence, adaptability, and passion left a strong impression on those in attendance.
The Entrepreneur Roundtable was more than just a networking event—it was an opportunity for students to gain real-world insight into the many paths entrepreneurship can take. By engaging directly with professionals who have successfully built their own businesses, attendees walked away with practical advice, valuable connections, and a broader understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
As the evening came to a close, students left with new connections and a fresh outlook on entrepreneurship. Events like the Entrepreneur Roundtable continue to showcase the impact of the Start Something CALS program in fostering innovation, supporting student ambition, and strengthening the entrepreneurial community at Iowa State University.