WASHINGTON D.C. – A team of Georgetown University students is making waves in the civic tech space with "The Petition Co.," a startup designed to modernize and simplify the process of petitioning government officials. The venture, born out of Georgetown's McDonough School of Business, has been recognized as one of the most disruptive business school startups of 2025.
The platform aims to address the often cumbersome and inefficient nature of traditional petitioning methods, which typically rely on physical signatures and manual delivery. The Petition Co. offers a centralized, user-friendly online platform where citizens can easily create, sign, and share petitions directed at local, state, and federal government representatives.
"We saw a real need to update the way people engage with their government," said Sarah Chen, CEO and co-founder of The Petition Co. "The current system is often slow, inaccessible, and lacks transparency. Our platform is designed to empower citizens by making it easier for them to voice their concerns and hold their elected officials accountable."
The platform boasts several key features that differentiate it from existing online petition services. Firstly, it offers a robust verification system designed to prevent fraudulent signatures and ensure the integrity of the petition process. This feature is crucial in building trust with government officials and ensuring that petitions are taken seriously.
Secondly, The Petition Co. provides users with tools to track the progress of their petitions, including updates on the number of signatures collected and notifications when their petition is delivered to the intended recipient. This transparency is intended to keep users engaged and informed throughout the petitioning process.
Finally, the platform integrates directly with government databases, allowing users to easily identify and contact the appropriate officials to address their concerns. This feature streamlines the process of targeting petitions to the relevant decision-makers, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
The idea for The Petition Co. originated in a business plan competition at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business. The team, comprised of students from various disciplines, recognized the potential to leverage technology to improve civic engagement. They spent months conducting market research, interviewing government officials, and developing a user-centered design.
"The support we received from the McDonough School of Business was instrumental in helping us bring our idea to life," said David Lee, Chief Technology Officer of The Petition Co. "The faculty and resources available to us were invaluable in navigating the challenges of launching a startup."
The company's business model revolves around offering a freemium service. Basic petition creation and signing features are available for free, while premium features, such as advanced data analytics and campaign management tools, are offered through a subscription-based service aimed at advocacy groups and non-profit organizations.
The Petition Co. has already gained significant traction, with several successful petitions launched on the platform addressing a range of issues, including local zoning regulations, environmental protection, and education reform. The company is currently focused on expanding its reach and forging partnerships with government agencies and civic organizations.
The long-term vision for The Petition Co. is to become the leading platform for online petitioning and civic engagement in the United States. The team believes that by making it easier for citizens to voice their concerns and hold their elected officials accountable, they can play a significant role in strengthening American democracy.
The startup faces challenges, however. Building trust with users and government officials will be paramount to its success. Concerns about data privacy and security will need to be addressed proactively. Furthermore, competition from established online petition platforms will require The Petition Co. to continuously innovate and differentiate itself.
Despite these challenges, The Petition Co.'s innovative approach to civic engagement and its commitment to transparency and accountability have positioned it as a promising startup with the potential to make a real impact on American society. The recognition it has received as one of the most disruptive business school startups of 2025 underscores its potential to revolutionize the way citizens interact with their government.
