Experience the Future of Innovation
LAUNCH DEMO DAY 2025
LAUNCH DEMO DAY 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
george w bush presidential center
2-7 PM CST
2pm: Networking, Welcome + Opening Remarks from Megha and Nirav Tolia
3pm: Startup Pitches from Founders
4pm: Pioneer Awards and Keynote: Amber Venz Box and Baxter Box
5pm: Networking Happy Hour
Tickets: $50
EVENT DETAILS
Demo Day marks the final countdown of the Spears Launch Accelerator, a 12-week program helping SMU’s top 11 student-led startups turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Over the summer, they have been building traction, refining their pitches, and getting investor-ready.
Now, they’ll take the stage – pitching to a live audience of VCs, angel investors, and leaders from across the DFW startup scene. Expect big ideas, a dynamic keynote, and high-energy networking to close out the summer.
Each founder received $10K in funding, weekly programming, and tailored support over the summer, with a chance to earn up to $100K more after Demo Day.
Meet cohort01
Spears Pioneer Awards
Spears Pioneer Awards
The Spears Pioneer Award honors visionary leaders who are reshaping industries and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. It celebrates innovative thinkers driving innovation, resilience, and impact – starting in Dallas and reaching far beyond.
At this year’s Demo Day, the inaugural award will be presented to Amber and Baxter Box, co-founders of LTK.
Amber Venz Box, an SMU alum, turned her fashion blog into a global platform that empowers thousands of creators. Her latest venture, Cherry, brings flexible work to women in beauty. Baxter Box, also an SMU MBA alum, leads LTK as CEO, scaling it into a global leader in creator commerce. Together, they also founded The Local Chapter, a luxury retreat inspired by their love for West Texas.
this summer…we launch
Join the Next Wave of Innovation
Demo Day is where funders meet the next generation of investable founders. Backed by Spears Institute, these ventures are built to scale.
Meet fellow innovators
Network with other industry innovators.
Spears Pioneer Awards
Learn more from SMU alum and bold entrepreneur, Amber Venz Box and Baxter Box.