Husker Hustle

Maria Heyen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2023. Now currently funding start-ups as a venture capitalist at Redbud, she got her start in the Center for Entrepreneurship with her own company Playbook and went on to lead the Husker Venture Fund as managing director.  

Heyen credits her opportunities and success within the industry to her drive to create community. Erica Casarin and Heyen used each other as accountability partners at the onset of their two businesses.  

Listen as Heyen gives advice to young entrepreneurs and what she looks for when evaluating enterprises seeking funding.  

What is Husker Hustle?

Welcome to Husker Hustle! Hosts Hannah-Kate Kinney and Emerson McClure guide listeners throughout the sereis to uncover stories of self-starters in Nebraska. As University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, the pair were inspired by the New Venture Competition, a pitch competition for students with big business ideas. Any student from any college across campus can participate with the chance of winning money to invest back into their business idea.

Husker Hustle features several New Venture Competition winners and participants, along with those planning to pitch their idea in the near future and those who have five-plus years ago.

Through research and interviews, Kinney and McClure found young people in Nebraska have much to give—through their creativity, imagination, and relentless work ethic. One thing is clear: great ideas are born in the state and fostered through innovation and opportunity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Enjoy, and let this podcast spark your entrepreneurial imagination!