Local Indian American Shaan Patel, who leveraged his SAT score of 2400 into a successful appearance on the Shark Tank reality show earlier this year, jet-setted his way back into town on Sept. 15 in order to hob-nob with finalists on Get Started Las Vegas, a pitch competition akin to Shark Tank.  The competition is produced by Cox Business.

Patel arrived in time to offer some high fives at a post-Get Started meet and greet with event judges, finalists, bloggers and winners at Rain Nightclub at the Palms. Supportive of those who throw their energies behind starting up a new business or redefining business entirely, the founder of Prep Expert SAT & ACT Preparation  was enthused at meeting local entrepreneurs with the drive to create the next big thing.

“I was honored to be a part of Get Started Las Vegas – it’s truly a premier event that advocates entrepreneurship in Southern Nevada. My experience on Shark Tank has given me a redefined awareness of what it takes to become an entrepreneur. I’m so thrilled the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in my hometown,” said Patel. 

Meanwhile Patel, who is finishing an MD at USC, has teamed-up with billionaire Mark Cuban after convincing the Shark Tank celebrity to back his 60-hour SAT prep course available through Prep Expert.  Courses take place in twenty cities across the United States, including Las Vegas, as well as online.

Get Started Las Vegas provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs, small business owners, college students and great idea people to interface with industry experts and peers. It provides a unique local platform for entrepreneurs to tell their story and earn a chance to win thousands in cash and prizes. Visit #GetStartedVegas.

Shaan Patel (far right) networked with numerous event organizers and participants at a post-Get Started Las Vegas meet and greet. Pictured from left are Tim Wisher, humorist and Get Started Las Vegas judge, Martin Jones, Cox Business senior manager and social media expert, and Shari Mesch, Cox Business senior marketing manager and Get Started Las Vegas organizer.