Pivot Panda logo.
This interactive toolkit will change how startup founders approach management and navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape.
— Lucy Bichakhchyan
(Minneapolis, MN) — March 20, 2024 — In a bold move to address the alarmingly high failure rates plaguing startups, particularly in the mobile app and software industries, a University of Minnesota MS student is introducing a flexible solution: “Pivot Panda.” This interactive toolkit will change how startup founders approach management and navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape.
Recognizing that nearly 75% of venture-backed startups fail due to deficiencies in founder management, among other things, Lucy identified a pressing need for a more engaging and practical approach to founder education. Traditional methods, such as schools and online courses, often lack the necessary engagement and real-time support that startup founders require.
“Pivot Panda” is a user-friendly, gamified platform designed to empower founders with the knowledge and skills essential for successful startup management. Through a combination of interactive content, tailored recommendations, and actionable insights, “Pivot Panda” aims to translate abstract managerial concepts into tangible strategies that founders can implement immediately at their ventures.
“My research revealed that poor founder management is a significant contributor to startup failures,” explained Lucy Bichakhchyan behind “Pivot Panda.” “By providing founders with a comprehensive toolkit that addresses the unique challenges they face, we believe ‘Pivot Panda’ has the potential to significantly improve the success rates of startups in the competitive mobile app and software industries.”
“I feel fortunate to be located in the Twin Cities, which has a thriving startup and engineering community. As part of this project, I have had the opportunity to interview prominent figures such as Rich Nazarian, the co-founder of Minnetronix, and Art Fry, the inventor of Post-it Notes.”
As the entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to evolve, innovative solutions like “Pivot Panda” are to become indispensable resources for startup founders striving to navigate the dynamic landscape of innovation. By fostering more robust management practices, “Pivot Panda” promises to influence growth, foster resilience, and drive sustainable success in the vibrant world of startup entrepreneurship.
For more information about “Pivot Panda” and its groundbreaking approach to founder education, you can contact Lucy.
About the Student
Since 2014, I’ve immersed myself in the startup ecosystem, working in international ventures and launching my own. Today, I am based in Saint Paul, MN. I’m deeply passionate about technology, innovation, and strategic leadership. I hold a Master’s in Management of Science & Technology and a Public Relations BA from the American University of Armenia.
My strength lies in bridging the gap between creative vision and practical implementation. I’ve been able to drive business efforts and growth strategies for various software startups, allowing me to develop hands-on experience in managing diverse teams and goals. My focus areas are innovation, digital transformation, and founder productivity.
