The Career Readiness
Platform Gen Z
Actually Uses
AI-powered career development that meets Gen Z where they are—on mobile, in games, building verified portfolios
We're pre-Handshake: Building career readiness before job placement
DahVarsity AI powered by TOYZ | Backed by NVIDIA & Microsoft
🎯 The Global Skills Crisis Creates MASSIVE Opportunity
Three converging crises creating an urgent $70B market
Workforce Shortage
- 85 Million jobs unfilled by 2030
- 15 Million Boomers retiring
- Massive talent gap emerging
Gen Z Crisis
- NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)
- Lacking soft skills
- Seen as unprofessional
- 4 out of 10 would rather live on food stamps
Employment Crisis
- 60% of employers firing Gen Z within months
- Skills mismatch accelerating
- Traditional education failing to prepare workforce
The Perfect Storm
Massive job shortage + unprepared workforce + broken education system = $70B opportunity for a platform that actually prepares Gen Z for careers
💡 The DahVarsity Solution
AI-powered three-sided marketplace that creates verified career pathways at $250/student/year—10× more affordable than alternatives
🎓 For Students
- Verified portfolios (code, 3D, ethics, storytelling)
- AI mentor matching
- Gamified learning (dah-varsity game)
- Direct pathways to CMU Engineering & top programs
🏛️ For Universities
- Portfolio-based admissions vs. test scores
- Discover hidden talent early
- White-label platform
- Analytics on diversity pipeline
🏢 For Employers
- Early access to vetted, diverse talent
- Skills-verified hiring
- ERG engagement channel
- Reduced time-to-hire
🚀 The Network Effect Flywheel
🛠️ Product & Technology: All Four AI Generations LIVE
Complete AI evolution developed at Carnegie Mellon University - production ready
V1 (Live) - Azure Cognitive Services
- Recommends STEAM locations within 2 miles
- Pre-college programs matched to in-game STEAM points & badges
- Job recommendations (web-scraped)
- Share via email/social platforms
V2 (Live) - Socioeconomic Intelligence
- Socioeconomic chatbot narrates ZIP codes
- Integrates: Dept. of Labor, Dept. of Education, FBI crime stats, U.S. Census
- Contextual guidance based on student location
- NVIDIA-powered conversational AI
V3 (Live) - Advanced Matching
- LDA topic modeling on student narratives
- University recommender with weighted factors
- Scholarship matching algorithms
- Portfolio & AI resume builder
✨ V4 (LIVE) - Digital Twin & AI Companion
- Personalized AI-driven recommendations at scale
- LLM-derived AI companion + digital twin
- Integrates user stories & portfolio evolution
- Enhanced career exploration & mentorship matching
🎮 Where LinkedIn Meets Fortnite for Gen Z
| Feature | Indeed/LinkedIn | DahVarsity AI |
|---|---|---|
| Target Generation | Gen X + Millennials | Gen Z + Gen Alpha |
| User Experience | Resume/Profile | Avatar + Gaming + Stories |
| AI Technology | Basic matching | V4 Digital Twin + AI Companion (LIVE) |
| Engagement | Job search utility | Culturally resonant gamification |
| Value Prop | Job opportunities | Skill-building + mentorship + marketplace |
Platform Status: All four AI generations production-ready and live, developed at Carnegie Mellon University. Digitizing Gen Z with avatars and matching them to mentors and workforce opportunities.
📈 Validated Growth: 400% YoY with Elite Partners
Revenue
2025 Projection (+67% YoY)
2023: $113K (413% growth!)
2024: $180K (59% growth)
2025: $300K projected
On track for $3M ARR by 2027
User Growth
Total Downloads (+140% annual)
52% Engagement Rate
8,600+ Student Profiles
76% Retention Rate
Best-in-class metrics
Key Partnerships
Corporate
PPG Paints • Hyundai
+3 in pipeline
Academic
MIT • Carnegie Mellon
Howard • Syracuse
U Chicago
$18 CAC | $42 LTV | 76% Retention
Revenue Validation
$107K Corporate Revenue
Paid repeat pilots with PPG Paints and Hyundai proving B2B willingness to pay
$3M University MOU
$1M/year × 3 years with Miami University of Ohio de-risks university adoption
Pittsburgh Student Portfolio Skills (Verified Competencies)
AI & Data Science
Storytelling
3D Modeling & Design
Software Development
Completed Pilots
- Manchester Academic Charter School
- Life Male STEAM Academy
- U of Pittsburgh Train-the-Trainer (Hill District)
- CMU Capstone: AI platform development
External Validation
- MIT Solve Finalist (Anti-Racist Technology)
- Featured: CBS News, Pittsburgh Tech Council
- $50K CMU Pilot: Pre-calculus waiver + portfolio standard
- $5M+ Pipeline: Universities & corporations
🌍 Market Opportunity: $70B TAM
Massive, underserved market with clear capture path
Market Capture Scenarios (Conservative 6%)
| Market Segment | Size | 6% Capture | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOM | $800M | $48M | 2027-2028 anchor |
| SAM | $7.8B | $468M | 2029-2030 expansion |
| TAM | $70B | $4.2B | Long-term potential (2031+) |
Current Distribution Footprint
21 colleges across 16 states — Immediate access to 733,950 K-12 students in partner cities
💰 Business Model: Four Revenue Streams
Pricing Structure
Student Plan
$250/year ($30/month option)
Employer or university-funded
Enterprise Plan
$2,500/year base per admin seat
ACV expansion via seats, analytics, white-label
Placement Fees
$1,000 per successful hire
College admissions + employer hires
Revenue Mix at Scale
Best-in-Class Unit Economics
10× Cost Advantage: $250/student/year vs. $1,000s for traditional seasonal programs
🚀 Five-Year Path to $200M ARR
Clear, capital-efficient growth trajectory with compounding network effects
Revenue Mix: 40% Enterprise ($400K) • 30% Placement ($300K) • 20% Student ($200K) • 10% Add-ons ($100K)
Proof Point: CMU + U Cincinnati capstone-driven growth demonstrates scalability
Geographic Expansion: 5+ countries operational
Valuation: 5× ARR multiple = $1.0B baseline valuation (upside if growth >100% with best-in-class retention)
📊 December 2027 Target: $15M ARR Foundation
Driven by CMU + University of Cincinnati capstone partnerships
Volume Targets
Revenue Build
Base ARR before placement fees & corporate early-access upsides
Distribution Leverage: 21 colleges, 16 states already in network
2-Year Reach: $10M GMV of employer/student-life funded access
Placement Upside: 10% of 40K = 4,000 placements × $1K = $4M additional gross fees
Capture Scenarios: Path to 40,000 Students
| Scenario | Capture Rate | Students | Student Revenue | Admin Seats | Admin Revenue | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 3.0% | 22,019 | $5.5M | 1,500 | $3.8M | $9.3M |
| Target | 5.45% | 40,000 | $10.0M | 2,000 | $5.0M | $15.0M |
| Upside | 7.0% | 51,377 | $12.8M | 2,500 | $6.3M | $19.1M |
Based on 733,950 aggregated K-12 students across 13 partner city markets
💵 $200M ARR Backsolve (2030 Target)
Path B: 1,000 logos × $80K ACV
(Dual: college admissions + employer hires)
$25-30 blended ARPU
Valuation Framework at $200M ARR
Baseline: 5× revenue multiple on $200M ARR
Upside: Higher multiples if software mix increases and growth >100% with best-in-class retention
Comparable Valuations (EdTech / Future of Work)
| Company | Outcome | Valuation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquired by Microsoft | $26.2B | Professional network + learning | |
| Duolingo | IPO | $6.0B+ | Gamified learning at scale |
| Coursera | IPO | $5.0B+ | Online learning platform |
| Guild Education | Series F | $4.4B | Employer-funded education |
| Handshake | Series F | $3.5B | College recruiting platform |
🎯 Multi-Channel Go-to-Market Strategy
Proven distribution across students, universities, and corporations
🎓 Student Acquisition
- Campus ambassadors
- Creator partnerships (Twitch, TikTok)
- Fortnite experiences
- Career fairs
- Gamified rewards
- Viral challenges
Target CAC: <$20
🏛️ University Partnerships
- Hackathons & showcases
- LinkedIn + email to career services
- Innovation ecosystems
- White-label partnerships
- Research collaborations
- MOU frameworks
Current: 21 colleges
🏢 Corporate Sales
- ERG partnerships
- HR conferences
- Evangelist program
- Content marketing
- Targeted outbound
- Early access packages
Target: Fortune 2000
Q4 2026 Strategic Goals
Geographic Footprint: 16 States
🤝 Strategic Partnerships Driving Scalable Impact
Partnership Ecosystem Across Four Segments
| Segment | Partners & Examples | Value Proposition | 2025 Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Universities (R1 & tech hubs) |
CMU, Duke, UVA, Syracuse, Miami OH, MIT, Howard, U Chicago | Early-career talent dev, admissions funnel, corporate partnerships | 15K student resumes, 25% placement |
| 🏢 Corporates + ERGs | PPG, Hyundai, Mazda Foundation, Riverhead Dealership | Culture-fit sourcing, upskilling, retention aid | 1K hires, 40 talent pilots |
| 🧠 Innovation Ecosystems | Richard King Mellon Foundation, Innovation Works, 1819 Hub, Team NEO, JumpStart, Swartz Center | Embedded pilots, university–corporate bridge building | $1M ARR, 40 enterprise licenses |
| 🧒 K–12 Pipeline | Columbus City Schools, Case Western feeders | Early awareness & badge building for workforce/college path | 10K K–12 badge completions |
NVIDIA Partnership
- Enterprise-grade conversational AI
- Powers Mentor AI v2 and matching algorithms
- Technology credibility with enterprises
- Potential co-marketing & distribution
Microsoft Partnership
- Hackathon Manager collaboration
- Early Career team alignment
- Intercollegiate hackathon framework (Jan 17)
- U of Cincinnati + 9-10 schools virtually
- Enterprise distribution channel potential
Key Foundation & Ecosystem Support
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Major Pittsburgh funder providing credibility and ecosystem access
Innovation Works
Pittsburgh's premier tech accelerator and investment network
JumpStart
Northeast Ohio venture development organization
$5M+ Sales Pipeline Across Universities and Corporations
• $3M MOU (Miami University)
• $50K CMU pilot with pre-calculus waiver
• 3+ corporate pilots beyond PPG/Hyundai
• Microsoft & U Cincinnati co-op collaboration
⚔️ Competitive Landscape & Differentiation
Why We Win: Portfolio-First + AI + Ethics + Three-Sided Network
| Feature | DahVarsity AI | Handshake | Coursera | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Verification | ✓ Verified by educators + employers | ✗ Resume only | ✗ Self-reported | ✗ Certificates only |
| AI-Powered Matching | ✓ Skills + ethics + lived experience | ✗ Basic filters | ✓ Basic matching | ✗ N/A |
| Pre-College Pipeline | ✓ K-12 to workforce | ✗ College only | ✗ Professional only | ✗ Adult learning |
| Ethics-by-Design | ✓ Core curriculum | ✗ Not emphasized | ✗ Not emphasized | ✗ Optional |
| Three-Sided Marketplace | ✓ Students + Universities + Employers | ✗ Two-sided | ✓ Two-sided | ✗ Two-sided |
| Gamification | ✓ dah-varsity game, Fortnite integration | ✗ Minimal | ✗ Minimal | ✗ Badges only |
| Diversity Focus | ✓ MIT Solve finalist, 66%+ BIPOC users | ✓ Some focus | ✗ General | ✗ General |
Sustainable Competitive Moats
- Data Network Effects: 8,600+ portfolios create better matching algorithms → More employers → More students → Compounding advantage
- Three-Sided Marketplace: Unlike two-sided competitors, we capture value from students, universities, AND employers
- Pre-College Lock-In: Early relationship (K-12) creates lifetime value through college and career transitions
- Portfolio IP: Verified competency framework becoming industry standard (UChicago, CMU, Georgia Tech validation)
- Cultural Authenticity: Gen Z-native platform with gamification, storytelling, ethical AI at core
✅ Why This Is Achievable: Critical Success Factors
🎯 Unit Economics Hold
- Maintain <$20 CAC via viral channels
- Keep ≥76% retention with AI personalization
- Expand LTV to $60+ through multi-year agreements
Status: Already proven at current scale
🌐 Network Effects Compound
- More students → Better matches
- Better matches → More employers
- More employers → More opportunities
- More opportunities → More students
Status: Flywheel initiated with 8,600+ profiles
🤝 Strategic Partnerships Scale
- NVIDIA & Microsoft as tech + distribution allies
- Fortune 500 via sponsored challenges
- University systems adopting as infrastructure
Status: 21 colleges live, 2 major tech partners
🎮 Cultural Resonance
- Authentic to Gen Z and Gen Alpha
- Gamification & storytelling at core
- Continuous product innovation
Status: 400% YoY growth validates PMF
Proven Product-Market Fit
⚠️ Risks & Mitigation Strategies
Transparent about challenges with clear mitigation plans
As we scale, CAC could rise beyond $20 target, impacting unit economics.
Educational institutions move slowly; could delay enterprise revenue ramp.
LinkedIn, Handshake could add portfolio features.
Ambitious product vision (V4 AI, Fortnite integration, AR/VR) requires flawless execution.
Working with minors requires stringent data protection, consent frameworks.
Heavy reliance on NVIDIA, Microsoft, CMU could create single points of failure.
👥 Leadership Team: Pioneering AI Innovation in Gaming & Talent Development
• Double Major: Mechanical Engineering & Economics at Syracuse University
• Started college at age 15
• Proven track record building education technology platforms
• Deep expertise in K-12, higher ed, and corporate workforce development
• Thiel 20 Under 20 Finalist
• High School Graduate at 15
• Led Carnegie Mellon capstone AI development
• Built V1-V4 of DahVarsity AI platform
• Deep expertise in AI/ML, gaming, and scalable platforms
• Proven ability to scale creative ventures
• Leadership in market development
• Deep creative partnerships network
• Expertise in Gen Z cultural engagement and brand building
Advisory & Partnership Network
University Advisors (CMU)
- Shernell Smith - Executive Director, Student Diversity & Inclusion
- Michael Young - Associate Dean, Mellon College of Science
- Rita Canton - Director of Engineering Outreach
- Alaine Allen - Associate Dean, Community Engagement
- Swartz Center Team: Sean Mawhinney, Steven Gao, Allison Hynce
Corporate & Innovation Partners
- NVIDIA: Enterprise AI partnership
- Microsoft: Hackathon & Early Career teams
- Corporate Clients: PPG, Hyundai, Mazda Foundation
- Innovation Ecosystems: 1819 Hub, Team NEO, JumpStart
This team has executed from zero to 8,600 users, 21 university partnerships, $107K in corporate revenue, NVIDIA & Microsoft collaborations, and 400% YoY growth—demonstrating exceptional ability to build and scale.
💰 The Raise: $2M SAFE
18-month runway to $3M+ ARR and Series A readiness
SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
Use of Funds: Strategic Deployment Plan
🎯 Core Sales & Marketing Team
- VP of Sales (Enterprise & University)
- Marketing Director (Gen Z engagement)
- Student Ambassador Program Coordinator
- Content & Creator Partnerships Manager
- Digital campaigns (Twitch, Fortnite, social)
🛠️ Key Engineers & Designers
- Senior AI/ML Engineer (V4 optimization & V5 development)
- Full-Stack Engineers (2)
- UI/UX Designer (Gen Z experience)
- Game Developer (Fortnite integration)
- DevOps Engineer (scale infrastructure)
🎓 Student Ambassador Program
- Launch at 20+ universities
- Train 100+ student ambassadors
- Gamified reward system
- Branded merchandise & giveaways
- Campus event activations
🎮 Key Influencers & Gamers
- Partner with Twitch streamers
- Fortnite creator collaborations
- TikTok/YouTube gaming content
- Esports team sponsorships
- Viral challenge campaigns
$2M Investment Enables:
Partnership Maintenance & Growth
• Maintain 14 existing institutional partnerships
• Add 20+ new college partnerships across 16-state footprint
• Leverage Microsoft & NVIDIA relationships for enterprise sales
• Expand corporate clients beyond PPG & Hyundai
• Scale V4 AI capabilities with increased user data
18-Month Milestones (Path to Series A)
By Q4 2026
- 15,000 student resumes uploaded
- 1,000 placements in Fortune 2000 jobs
- 100 HR recruiter subscriptions @ $2,500/year
- 40 enterprise partners (universities + corporations)
- $1M ARR achieved
By Mid-2027
- Miami University MOU fully activated
- Howard & UMich pilots completed
- API marketplace launched
- UK/Canada expansion initiated
- $3M ARR run-rate
Investment Outcome: Clear Path to Unicorn
$2M investment today → 18-month execution → $3M ARR → Series A at $30-50M valuation
On track for $200M ARR by 2030 → $1.0B+ valuation
🎯 Investment Highlights
Why DahVarsity AI is a generational opportunity
✅ Market Opportunity
- $70B TAM with clear capture path
- Massive pain point (79% don't finish college)
- Underserved: 66% Black students in high-poverty schools
- Timing: AI-driven workforce transformation
✅ Proven Traction
- 8,600+ student profiles nationwide
- 400% YoY growth, 76% retention
- 21 colleges across 16 states
- NVIDIA & Microsoft partnerships
- MIT Solve finalist validation
✅ Exceptional Unit Economics
- <$20 CAC (sustainable at scale)
- 76% retention (best-in-class)
- 70%+ gross margins (software-led)
- 10× cost advantage vs. alternatives
✅ Defensible Moats
- Three-sided network effects compounding
- Proprietary AI models + data
- Pre-college lock-in (K-12 to career)
- Portfolio verification standard
- Cultural authenticity with Gen Z
✅ Clear Path to $1B+ Valuation
- $1M → $3M → $12M → $45M → $200M ARR
- Capital-efficient growth model
- Multiple comparable exits >$3B
- 5× revenue multiple = $1.0B baseline
✅ Mission-Driven Impact
- 3% → 20%+ Black engineers (goal)
- Portfolio > test scores = discover hidden geniuses
- $250/year accessibility (vs. $1,000s)
- Ethics-by-design AI education
Let's Build the Future of Work Together
DahVarsity AI is solving a $70B problem with proven traction, exceptional unit economics, and a clear path to unicorn status.
Next Steps
- Due Diligence: Full data room access (financials, metrics, contracts, references)
- Product Demo: Live platform walkthrough + mobile beta access
- Reference Calls: CMU partners, pilot school leaders, Microsoft/NVIDIA contacts
- University Site Visits: See student portfolios and mentor matching in action
- Q&A Session: Deep dive with founders on any aspect of the business
Contact
Building the future of Gen Z workforce readiness
Powered by TOYZ | Backed by NVIDIA & Microsoft
📂 Appendix: Data Room & Resources
Available for Due Diligence
- Financial Model: 5-year projections, unit economics, sensitivity analysis
- Platform Demo: Live access to DahVarsityAI, Mentor AI v2, portfolio builder
- User Metrics Dashboard: Real-time engagement, retention, growth data
- Partnership Agreements: MOUs with universities, NVIDIA/Microsoft contracts
- Student Portfolio Samples: Anonymized verified portfolios (647 Pittsburgh students)
- Pilot Results: Manchester Charter, Life Male STEAM, Pitt outcomes data
References Available
- Carnegie Mellon: Shernell Smith, Michael Young, Rita Canton, Alaine Allen
- University Partners: Syracuse, U Cincinnati, Miami U, Howard, UMich contacts
- Pilot Schools: Manchester Charter, Life Male STEAM Academy leadership
- Technology Partners: NVIDIA AI team, Microsoft Early Career/Hackathon managers
- Students & Parents: Sample cohort willing to provide testimonials
Geographic Market Data: 13 Partner Cities
Detailed demographics and enrollment data for immediate addressable market
| City | K-12 Enrollment | University | College Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 325,305 | U of Chicago | 17,002 |
| Houston, TX | 189,934 | Texas Southern | 9,700 |
| Washington, DC | 51,293 | Howard University | 10,000 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 17,000 | U of Michigan | 48,090 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 20,034 | Carnegie Mellon | 14,799 |
| Syracuse, NY | 17,068 | Syracuse U | 22,850 |
| Detroit, MI | 48,548 | Wayne State | 26,241 |
| Cleveland, OH | 35,696 | Case Western | 11,874 |
Total Addressable: 733,950 K-12 students across partner cities