Elev: The marketplace that fosters
Co-Founder Ben Perkins
Hey! I’m Ben, a first-year Computer Science and Engineering major with a passion for learning and a drive to make an impact. It’s my nature with being fascinated by how things work and how I can improve them. I’ve always aspired to create something meaningful that helps the people around me, and Elev felt like the perfect opportunity to turn that aspiration into reality.
When my co-founder barged into my room with this idea, I was immediately on board. We both saw Elev as more than just an app—it’s a platform to empower students like us while helping our communities thrive. From the beginning, I’ve been eager to dive in, not only to help develop the platform but also to manage operations and ensure everything runs smoothly.
I’m always excited to learn, grow, and challenge myself. Whether it’s coding, problem-solving, or understanding how to make our platform successful, I enjoy thinking things through deeply and tackling challenges head-on. Elev isn’t just a project for me—it’s a chance to connect with others, build something meaningful, and grow alongside the people I aim to help.
Co-Founder Sarthak Pani
Hi, I’m Sarthak! I’m a co-founder at Elev, and I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering at UC Merced. Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved building things and coming up with wild, creative ideas—whether it’s tinkering with cars, diving deep into computer vision and AI, or rolling up my sleeves to code technical solutions. I thrive on turning ambitious concepts into tangible outcomes.
The journey with Elev began spontaneously: I barged into my co-founder Ben’s dorm room one day, brimming with excitement, and pitched him this crazy idea. What if we created a marketplace where college students could connect with neighbors and homeowners, offering their skills and services? It was a win-win—students could earn extra income, and homeowners could access affordable, high-quality help.
From that moment, Ben and I got to work, refining the idea, addressing challenges, and shaping it into a practical and impactful solution. We realized the potential to empower college students by providing flexible work opportunities while fostering trust and convenience for homeowners.
At Elev, we’re not just building a marketplace—we’re building a community that values skill, opportunity, and connection. I’m driven by the impact we can create and excited to continue innovating and solving problems one step at a time.
Our Mission:
At Elev, our mission is to empower communities by connecting neighbors with local college students for affordable, reliable help with everyday tasks. We strive to create a platform that fosters trust, convenience, and meaningful relationships, while providing students with opportunities to earn, grow, and make a positive impact in their neighborhoods.
Why Choose Elev?
Affordable and Reliable Help
With Elev, you can find trustworthy and dependable help for everyday tasks at a fraction of the cost of traditional services. By connecting with local college students, you save money while supporting young adults in your community.
Empowering Local Students
Elev gives students the chance to earn flexible income while gaining valuable experience. Whether they’re tutoring, walking pets, or assisting with household chores, students can balance work with their studies and make a positive impact in their neighborhood.
Strengthening Community Connections
Our platform fosters trust and collaboration between neighbors and students. By choosing Elev, you’re not just getting a service done—you’re building relationships and creating a stronger, more connected community.