Springfield-founded startup Cantaloupe secures first place at ‘Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup’ with Its ‘Dating app for jobs’ | Breaking News

Cantaloupe, the predictive hiring platform that simplifies the job matching process in the service and hospitality industry, proudly secured the $50,000 grand prize at the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup, the premier business plan competition for the state of Louisiana, hosted by the University of Louisiana Monroe on April 19, 2024. Dubbed as the “dating app for jobs,” Cantaloupe enables employers and jobseekers to connect through a swipe-based interface that replaces conventional resumes and applications.

The platform’s algorithm is designed to enhance match success between employers and jobseekers, aiming to lower turnover rates and foster more effective employment relationships. Early implementation by notable establishments such as Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter underscores the platform’s relevance and potential impact on the hospitality sector.

The victory was spearheaded by Rich Simmerman and Lane Degenhardt, representing Tulane University and Southeastern Louisiana University, respectively. Simmerman, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cantaloupe and a Tulane MBA candidate, along with Degenhardt, Chief Sales Officer, have shared prior entrepreneurial successes, including their venture Ceres in 2022. Joining them in their efforts are Joshua Anderson, co-founder and CEO of Cantaloupe, and Connor Gleason, Chief Marketing Officer representing Tulane University.

“Working on this project with Lane, a lifelong friend from Springfield, has been profoundly fulfilling,” said Simmerman. “It’s always rewarding to bring innovative solutions to industries we care about, especially from our humble beginnings.”

Cantaloupe intends to utilize the winnings to further develop their technology and initiate a pilot program in New Orleans this summer, inviting both jobseekers and employers to experience the benefits of their platform at trycantaloupe.com