TiE u oregon & transcribbit case study
To read the full story of Harry’s journey through TiE U, you can download the case study here.
When Oregon State University student Harry Herzberg joined TiE University (now known as TiE U), he brought both energy and a deeply personal mission: building Transcribbit, a tool to make learning more accessible for students like himself.
At first, Harry admits he struggled with pitching—nervous on stage and reliant on memorized notes, he found it difficult to share his ideas in a way that connected with people. Mentors, however, immediately saw his drive and the opportunity for growth, noting both his passion to make an impact and the thoughtful detail he poured into his work.
That willingness to learn and improve became one of Harry’s defining strengths. As the program progressed, he sought out feedback, experimented with new approaches, and grew steadily more confident in his delivery—setting the stage for the strong mentorship relationships that would shape both him and his venture.
Learning & Mentorship
Harry’s openness to feedback became a defining trait. He consistently welcomed input, experimented with new approaches, and learned by observing others—habits that sharpened his pitch and helped him win the competition. This same openness continues to fuel his progress with Transcribbit, where he communicates a clear story about the product’s need, technology, market, and opportunity.
Mentorship extended beyond the program itself. Jerry Young, a TiE Oregon Charter Member, became deeply involved in Harry’s venture, providing expertise in software and EdTech, and helping build his team through the TiE network.
“Before TiE U, I felt nervous presenting and relied heavily on memorized notes. I knew I had ideas worth sharing, but I struggled to tell the story in a way that really connected with people.”
Growth Through TiE U
Over the course of the program, Harry honed his skills in authentic pitching, storytelling, and audience engagement. Mentors observed a clear transformation in his confidence and delivery.
Harry also applied these skills to his second venture, Change Finder, competing at the TiE Global Finals in Hyderabad, India.
“Traveling to Hyderabad was transformative. I got to see a different startup ecosystem, learn how to pitch across cultures, and build connections that I still rely on today.”
To read the full story of Harry’s journey through TiE U, you can download the case study here.
