Today we’d like to introduce you to Lili Demm
Hi Lili, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creating something impactful. When I started college at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), I met my best friend, Jack Sardina, as part of the Huizenga Business Innovation Academy (HBIA). HBIA is a 3-year undergraduate program at NSU, where we take 6-7 classes a semester in addition to summer classes in order to graduate early. We quickly bonded over our shared desire to build an empire. Like most students, we were trying to balance academics and the desire for success.
During the first month of our freshman year, Jack and I were brainstorming business ideas. We were broke college students, facing the challenge of living alone for the first time and having a strong desire for financial independence. We wanted to solve that problem in a unique way. I remember sitting in my room and complaining out loud over how much laundry, dishes, and homework I had to do, on top of this itch I had to start a company. Then, Jack said: “What if there was an app where college students can do laundry for each other for money?” And I jumped in to say – “Wait. What if there was an app where college students can post and complete ANY tasks for each other for money…” – something that helps the BROKE college students (the Runners completing tasks) and the BUSY college student (the Posters posting tasks) – and that’s how CampusRun was born. When we had our idea, we thought we wouldn’t have enough resources/connections to create an app on our own. After all, they cost tens of thousands of dollars. So we mentioned it to the leaders of the HBIA academy, and we set it aside.
Later that year, as part of the freshman HBIA summer boot camp, we realized we would need to put time, effort, and money into running a business anyways, as part of the program. So we decided – let’s cut the pushing, procrastination, and fear aside. Let’s see what we can do with CampusRun and just do it already. That summer, we established an LLC, secured trademarks, opened bank accounts, and hired an initial developer through Fiverr. It was our first time doing any of these things, so a lot of research and mentor support went into this. At first, we bootstrapped the project, raising all of our funds on our own. As young college students, we were constantly trying to find cost-effective ways to build the app. We quickly learned that taking the cheaper route wasn’t sustainable or effective for a complex app.
Sophomore year, we were fortunate to be taken on by NSU’s Law Clinic as pro bono. They have since provided us with so much legal help and resources, so we owe them the biggest shoutout. Similarly, we were lucky enough to be accepted into the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation’s Incubator Program, where we learned from experienced entrepreneurs in South Florida. We practiced pitching in rooms with hundreds of people, answering questions on the dot, working and functioning as a team, and pivoting our ideas.
Through this experience, we were still dealing with developer issues on Fiverr, and even switched developers. At the end of last year, we were selected to pitch in the HBIA Pitch Competition, where we were fortunate enough to receive funding from NSU. This allowed us to hire a professional development team based in Brickell, Miami, who have been in business for 30 years. They developed our app for us.
We recently launched and have already pivoted – we broadened CampusRun to allow anyone in the community to post tasks as a Poster – whether they’re busy professionals or local residents – with college students exclusively completing the tasks. This shift lets us create an impactful support system for students within the local community. We are now in the growing stage.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has taught us something important. When we first started, Jack and I had the ambition but lacked the technical knowledge and funds to fully develop CampusRun. Initially, we tried to bootstrap by outsourcing development on a budget, but quickly learned that building a reliable app requires experienced professionals. The first developers we hired didn’t meet our needs, which was a setback in both time and money. However, persistence, constantly showing up, and expanding our network proved to be the right decision, and has brought us to where we are now.
The biggest issue we had was time. There were months where we had to skip 4 classes a day in order to attend the incubator program, or would skip weeks of class to attend tech events and innovation summits – luckily our professors worked with us, but we still had to teach ourselves the college-level material and ace tests/quizzes without getting the lectures. We spent countless nights staying up until 3-4am working, trying to stay healthy, sleep, and eat well. But sacrifices and commitment are needed to succeed.
Finances were another constant challenge. Being college students, we didn’t have capital to rely on, so we applied for grants and leaned on resources available through NSU, like the Law Clinic and the Alan B. Levan Center’s Incubator Program. These connections and mentors were crucial, guiding us as we navigated the legal, financial, and technical aspects of running a startup.
One of the biggest turning points was receiving grant funding from NSU, which allowed us to hire a professional development team to build our app for us. It was a reminder that persistence pays off, even if the road is rough. Each struggle has strengthened our vision for CampusRun, and now that we’ve launched, we feel more motivated than ever to see it grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CampusRun?
CampusRun is a social media marketplace platform designed specifically for college students to post and complete tasks for each other and the local community for money. It is made FOR college students BY college students. Our goal is simple: to help students earn money while supporting each other with everyday tasks. Whether it’s running errands, doing laundry, or even helping with assignments, CampusRun connects students who need help with those who want to work.
What sets us apart is our focus on the student community and the unique twist we recently introduced. While the app originally started as a way for students to help one another, we found that there were more students willing to work (Runners) than those posting tasks (Posters). To address this, we pivoted the model to allow anyone in the community – like local residents or business professionals – to post tasks, but only college students can complete them. This change lets the local community support students, helping them earn while they study.
Our verification process ensures safety and reliability. Runners must have a .edu email and undergo a background check, giving Posters peace of mind. We’re proud to have created a platform that builds trust and empowers students.
Brand-wise, I’m proud of the impact we’re making. We’re not just a gig app; we’re a community resource for students trying to balance academics with financial independence. Our mission is to help students succeed, and we’re constantly evolving to better meet their needs.
To anyone reading, if you’re a student looking to earn or someone in the community needing a helping hand, CampusRun is here to connect and support you.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I have always been an entrepreneur – whether I sold lemonade in 3rd grade, washed cars in 5th, resold my items in 9th, started a jewelry business in 11th, or now have a full-force company – I love the process of building and growing an idea I have. I appreciate different things, so it’s fun to choose what new project is next.
I am also a learner. I have interned for free for CEOs and Founders of vastly different companies, gaining different experiences. I love talking to my mentors, and just absorbing everything that I can from people around me.
I enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone. When I was younger, I was a go-getter, extroverted, and always positive. Pushing through challenges and adapting to what life throws my way has taken me far. I have lots of room to grow, and I look forward to it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.campusrun.app/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lili_demm/
