When we launched the Talent x Opportunity initiative (TxO), we envisioned a community where under-networked founders could hone the skills and gain the connections needed to build sustainable businesses. One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey thus far has been witnessing the growth of the TxO alumni base. Many previous TxO founders are now stepping up as mentors for new companies joining TxO. This peer-to-peer support system, combined with moving to smaller cohorts, fosters a collaborative and enriching environment where experience and knowledge are shared freely.
As we expand our network of exceptional founders, we are doubling down on our commitment to championing software-enabled companies building in key cultural sectors such as art, fashion, food, and music. We see immense opportunity in these sectors and believe that TxO founders have the potential to build ventures that significantly influence our everyday lifestyle choices.
With this in mind, we are excited to announce TxO’s Fall 2024 cohort. This group of talented founders are building companies that range from making it easy to find the style that best expresses who you are to providing real-world rewards through gaming.
Please join us in welcoming the newest TxO founders:
Ashlyn Greer (Fashivly)
Ashlyn Greer was born and raised in Appalachia, Virginia, with a passion for the exciting world of fashion from an early age. She began her journey as a production assistant for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, NY, before taking on various roles in marketing and styling at companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Belk. Throughout her career, Ashlyn noticed how inaccessible personal styling was for the average consumer, motivating her to challenge the status quo. This drive led to the launch of Fashivly, a shopping platform that offers personalized shopping experiences powered by a curated network of expert human stylists.
Win Feigle (Feedplan)
Win Feigle was born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Bozeman, Montana. A serial entrepreneur since adolescence, he launched his first two startups, including an athletic clothing company built through social media, before enrolling in college. After completing his education, he gained experience working for a pharmaceutical company for several years before returning to his entrepreneurial roots. Motivated by a mission to reduce consumer reliance on delivery services, he launched Feedplan, a marketplace that allows consumers to save on food spending by purchasing healthy meal plans directly from their favorite restaurants.
Jeff Ivory (GamerXSociety)
Jeff Ivory, a Kansas City, Missouri native, attributes video games to saving his life, believing the lessons learned from gaming allowed him to conquer real-world challenges. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, he organized several citywide bar crawls connecting gamers with local businesses, gaining attention from major brands like Dave & Buster’s. Inspired by his personal journey and passion for gaming, the former athlete and self-taught coder launched GamerXSociety, a gaming platform that rewards gamers with real world benefits from playing their favorite games and provides brands with valuable first-party insights.
Mamadou Ndiaye Jr. and Derek Gauthier Jr. (Timbucktoo)
Mamadou Ndiaye Jr. is a native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and a first-generation American. Inspired by his mother’s entrepreneurial journey, he set out to build a company that would make a significant impact on the community. After college, he became a Venture For America Fellow, where he met his co-founder, Derek Gauthier Jr. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Derek has always had a passion for product development and a deep appreciation for the arts. Together, they founded Timbucktoo, a marketplace that offers digital authentication for collectors and buyers while modernizing the operations of art galleries.
Mel David (Virch Merch)
Mel David, a New Jersey native, has had a lifelong passion for music. From a young age, Mel immersed themselves at concerts and spent hours exploring record store aisles. This deep-rooted love for music led them to pursue an Entertainment and Arts Management program in college. The skills honed during this time opened doors to opportunities working on major music festivals such as Made in America, Crossroads, and the Global Citizen Festival. Afterward, Mel transitioned to a large shipping conglomerate where they spearheaded the rollout of nationwide same-day delivery operations. It was during this period that Mel had their ‘aha’ moment. Combining their passion for music with logistics expertise, Mel founded Virch Merch, a tech-enabled platform enhancing real-time merchandise ordering experiences for fans at live events.
