This 19-Year-Old College Student's Invention Relieves Migraines -- and His Pitch Landed a $10,000 Investment On this episode of the "Post-Pitch Podcast," David Fleming explains the development of his health product, and how he created a pitch that blew investors' minds.

By Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Media

David Fleming was plagued with migraines throughout his childhood, which significantly impacted his ability to attend school and have a normal social life. Frustrated with the lack of help he found from taking various medicines, he got to work on his own product called Releevum, a device that administers suboccipital release therapy, which is a technique frequently used by chiropractors and massage therapists.

Using Releevum led to a notable improvement in David's academic performance, including his acceptance to Yale University and two intense appearances on "American Ninja Warrior" and now he wants to bring it to the masses to help others. After pitching his business on Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, he is one step closer to his goal, having secured a $10,000 prize made possible by Amazon Business.

Following his successful ride in the Entrepreneur Elevator, David sat down to speak with the Post-Pitch Podcast about the genesis, development and growth of his product, hitting on several topics including:

  • Running a successful crowdfunding campaign: Reelevum conducted a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, raising over $25,000 from 200 backers through pre-orders for the product.
  • Growing a startup: The immediate next steps for Reelevum involve securing additional investments for tooling, manufacturing, and clinical trials to further develop and bring the product to market.
  • Forming strategic partnerships: How David is conducting outreach to partners who can provide not only financial support but also contribute to the overall success and growth of Reelevum.
  • Developing a robust social media presence: Reelevum can be found on various social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, under the handle @releevum.
  • The power of a mission statement: David's overarching goal with Releevum is to make a positive difference in people's lives by offering a solution for migraine relief and prevention. The clarity and focus of the mission have been key to his fundraising and development efforts.

Listen in the the conversation here:

How to Watch "Elevator Pitch"

Season 10 of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch is presented by Amazon Business with support from State Farm. New episodes stream on Wednesdays on Entrepreneur.com. Follow Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch on Facebook, YouTube and IGTV.

Related: 'That Was Ridiculous!' See What Left One Investor Exasperated on the New Episode of 'Elevator Pitch'

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim, and Spy magazine. His latest books for kids include This Day in History, Car and Driver's Trivia ZoneRoad & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff, and Wendell the Werewolf

Read his humor column This Should Be Fun if you want to feel better about yourself.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business News

MrBeast's Holding Company Could Be Worth $5 Billion After Its Latest Fundraising Round

The YouTube creator is reportedly in talks to raise funds for a holding company for his various businesses, including his snack brand, Lunchly.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Branding

How Businesses Can Capitalize on Emerging Domain Name Trends

The potential of new gTLDs and emerging domain trends is reshaping how businesses brand themselves online. Here's how you can stay ahead of the curve.

Side Hustle

I've Made Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars With a Fun Side Hustle — And You Might Have Seen Me Doing It on TV

Phil Schraeder, CEO at GumGum Advertising, turned a childhood passion into a lucrative side gig.

Business Culture

How to Build a Company Culture That Values Individuality and Belonging

When employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, they're more engaged, creative and connected.