Winning elevator speech helps Oshkosh student advance app

Nerve-racking. That’s how Dayne Rusch, 22, described his experience pitching his social media management app Pyxsee during the annual Elevator Pitch Olympics. Nerves aside, Rusch, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, tied for top honors at the November event. Rusch delivered his winning spiel (each contestant had 90 seconds) to a panel of eight judges — including potential investors.

Apparently, Rusch has a knack for fast-talking prospective financiers. Two days before the Elevator Pitch Olympics, he won the Culver’s Business Model Contest.

Now, Rusch is using those victories — and investor interest — to fast track Pyxsee’s business model.

— Rebecca Konya