Cantaloupe, a predictive hiring platform that simplifies the job matching process in the service and hospitality industry, proudly won the $50,000 grand prize at the Pelican Cup of Entrepreneurship, Louisiana’s premier business plan competition hosted by the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Obtained. April 19, 2024. Dubbed the “dating app for work,” Cantaloupe allows employers and job seekers to connect through a swipe-based interface that replaces traditional resumes and applications.
The platform’s algorithms are designed to increase the success rate of matching employers and job seekers, aiming to reduce turnover and foster more effective employment relationships. Early adoption by high-profile properties such as Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter underscores the platform’s relevance and potential impact on the hospitality sector.
Spearheading the victory were Rich Shimerman and Lane Degenhardt, representing Tulane University and Southeastern Louisiana University, respectively. Mr. Simmerman, co-founder and chief operating officer of Cantaloupe and a Tulane MBA candidate, along with Mr. Degenhardt, chief sales officer, are building on previous entrepreneurial successes, including the 2022 venture Ceres. I’m sharing it. Co-founder Joshua Anderson is also joining their efforts. Connor Gleason, CEO of Cantaloupe and Chief Marketing Officer of Tulane University.
“Working on this project with Lane, a lifelong friend from Springfield, was extremely fulfilling,” said Shimerman. “Providing innovative solutions to industries we care about is always rewarding, especially from our small beginnings.”
Cantaloupe will use the prize money to further develop the technology and launch a pilot program in New Orleans this summer, inviting both job seekers and employers to experience the benefits of the platform at trycantaloupe.com.
