Success Story

‘Shark Tank’ entrepreneur to speak at Penn State Startup Week

UNIVERSITY PARK – Penn State alum Haley McClain Hill, who recently secured a deal with Lori Greiner on ABC’s Shark Tank, will be sharing her startup success story during Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC.  

Her event, ‘Haley McClain Hill – Boots to Business’ will take place on Tuesday, March 19 from noon to 1 pm in room 612 in the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub. 

Register to attend 

McClain Hill is the CEO and founder of TORCH Warriorwear, a subscription, direct-to- consumer military apparel and lifestyle brand that celebrates, empowers, and serves current and future women warriors. 

Penn State Startup Week is an amazing experience to network and explore your entrepreneurial ideas,” said McClain Hill. “Get ready for an immersive funding workshop that will get you out of your seat and into a mock ‘Shark Tank’ environment. Do you have what it takes to go swimming with the Sharks?” 

She pitched TORCH Warriorwear to the sharks on episode 13, season 15 of Shark Tank and secured a deal for $150,000 for 22.5% of her company with American television personality, inventor, and entrepreneur Lori Greiner, “Queen of QVC.” 

McClain Hill is a former officer in the United States Air Force, a former Nittany Lions cheerleader and a former NFL cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons and 49er Gold Rush. 

She was also featured on an episode of Invent Penn State’s Dare to Disrupt podcast. 

Students, faculty, staff, and community members alike are encouraged to register to attend this free event to learn from this inspiring alum. 

About Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC 

An integral part of the broader Invent Penn State initiative, Startup Week powered by PNC is a University-wide event that connects students with innovative alumni and pioneers who are achieving success in a variety of industries and disciplines. Throughout the week, students discover, explore, experience and celebrate entrepreneurship. 

For more information on Startup Week, including a full schedule of events, visit startupweek.psu.edu. Participants can engage with and follow Startup Week on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.