Founders Forum 2025

Founders Forum 2025

Welcome to the Founders Forum 2025 - the ultimate gathering for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders! Join us for a day filled with inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just starting out, this event is the perfect place to gain valuable insights, connect with like-minded individuals, and take your business to the next level. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired! The event will be held at Rouss-Robertson Hall, so mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Info: Peter Frelinghuysen and Misha Vitels are the co-founders of Earth Brands, a company dedicated to making sustainability cool through innovative, plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics. They launched Earth Cups in 2021 after seeing the environmental impact of disposable cups at college events. Since then, Earth Brands has sold over 100 million cups, built a network of 5,000+ student ambassadors, and partnered with major organizations like Madison Square Garden and Formula 1. Peter and Misha's leadership has helped position Earth Brands as a leader in sustainable consumer products.

Info: Olivia Cleary is the founder and CEO of The Clearly Collective, a luxury brand specializing in bespoke designs inspired by architecture and community narratives. A graduate of the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, she launched The Clearly Collective to blend storytelling with intentional design. Her work has been featured in collaborations with renowned brands like Cartier, McLaren, and the U.S. Olympics. Through her unique approach, Olivia transforms luxury items into meaningful narratives that celebrate places and people.

Info: Windsor Hanger Western is the co-founder, President, and Publisher of Her Campus Media, the leading media brand for college women. She graduated with honors from Harvard University in 2010, earning a degree in the history of science. At Her Campus, Windsor oversees revenue and monetization strategies, leading innovative marketing programs for clients such as Under Armour, Neutrogena, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Her leadership has been recognized by Forbes' "30 Under 30," Inc.'s "30 Under 30 Coolest Young Entrepreneurs," and Glamour's "20 Amazing Young Women."

Ashley Young is the co-founder, CEO, and lead stylist of Bridal Babes, a size-inclusive bridal fashion brand celebrated for its curve-hugging gowns that cater to women of all shades, shapes, and sizes. The inspiration for Bridal Babes emerged from Ashley's personal experience while planning her own wedding, where she encountered challenges in finding bridesmaid dresses that complemented her diverse bridal party. In collaboration wit

Info: Griffin Spolansky is the co-founder and CEO of Mezcla, a company specializing in plant-based protein bars that blend international flavors. The concept for Mezcla, meaning "mixture" in Spanish, originated during Spolansky's senior year at the University of Virginia, where he studied and played on the men's lacrosse team. Collaborating with co-founder Coco Sotelo, they launched Mezcla to offer vegan, gluten-free protein bars inspired by global cuisines. Under Spolansky's leadership, Mezcla has expanded its presence, with products now available in over 1,000 retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods. The company projects nearly $15 million in revenue this year. In recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements, Spolansky was named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" list in the Food & Drink category.

Info: Roy Seiders is the co-founder of YETI (Ticker: YETI). Under his leadership, YETI has become renowned for its high-quality, durable coolers that have set new standards in the industry. Roy's innovative designs and commitment to excellence have made YETI a household name among outdoor enthusiasts.

Info: Ed Hallen is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Klaviyo (Ticker: KVYO), a leading marketing automation platform specializing in email and SMS marketing. With a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management, Ed's expertise has been instrumental in Klaviyo's growth and innovation. Ben Hallen is a world-leading entrepreneurship expert and endowed professor at the University of Washington. He and his brother Ed are working on a new concept, The Middle Class of Business, that is turning heads in academia and beyond.

Info: Bryan Myers, a graduate from UVA's McIntire, is the President and CEO of [solidcore], a boutique fitness company specializing in Pilates-inspired workouts. Since joining [solidcore] in 2018, he has led the company's expansion from around 25 locations to over 80 nationwide. Prior to [solidcore], Bryan was part of the leadership team at sweetgreen, where he contributed to the company's growth from approximately 20 to nearly 90 locations. Under his leadership, [solidcore] has focused on creating an inclusive fitness community, reflecting Bryan's commitment to diversity and representation in the industry.

Info: ​Bill Creelman is the founder and CEO of Spindrift Beverage Co., Inc., a company renowned for its sparkling waters made with real fruit. Before launching Spindrift in 2010, Bill co-founded Stirrings, a cocktail mixer company, which was sold to Diageo in 2009. He graduated from Georgetown University in 1996 and initially ventured into the food industry by selling smoked fish from Nantucket. Under Bill's leadership, Spindrift has grown exponentially, offering a natural alternative in the sparkling beverage market.

Stephen​ Sullivan is the founder and CEO of Stio, a direct-to-consumer outdoor lifestyle apparel and accessories brand based in Jackson, Wyoming. Prior to founding Stio in 2012, Stephen co-founded Cloudveil Mountain Works in 1997, an apparel company rooted in the Tetons.With a deep passion for the outdoors, Stephen has built Stio into a brand that resonates with mountain enthusiasts, reflecting his commitment to authentic outdoor experiences.

Info: Nigel Eccles co-founded FanDuel in 2009, revolutionizing daily fantasy sports and shaping the sports betting industry. Before that, he launched Hubdub, an online prediction market. After leaving FanDuel in 2017, he co-founded ventures like Flick and StarStock, focusing on tech and sports engagement.

Info: Lee Ainslie is the founder and managing partner of Maverick Capital, a hedge fund firm established in 1993. Prior to founding Maverick Capital, Ainslie worked at Tiger Management, where he and other former employees had been nicknamed "Tiger Cubs" in the hedge fund industry. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School. In 2023, Ainslie joined an investment group led by Josh Harris to purchase the Washington Commanders, an NFL team, for $6.05 billion—the highest price ever paid for a sports team.

Chris Termini is the VP of Championships Business Affairs at the NCAA, overseeing revenue, media rights, and marketing for championships. Previously, he served as Director of Legal Affairs, managing partnerships and operations. He holds a B.S. from McIntire and a J.D. from UVA School of Law.

Info: John Mackey is an American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Whole Foods Market in 1980. Under his leadership as CEO, the company grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, to over 500 locations across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, with annual sales exceeding $22 billion and more than 105,000 team members. Mackey is also a proponent of "Conscious Capitalism," a business philosophy that emphasizes ethical practices and social responsibility. After retiring from Whole Foods in 2022, he co-founded Love.Life, a wellness center in El Segundo, California, that integrates functional medical care, fitness, and plant-based nutrition to promote holistic health.

Info: Brian Stempeck is the CEO and co-founder of Evertune AI, a generative AI analytics startup that emerged from stealth mode in 2023. Prior to this, he was on the founding team and was a board member of The Trade Desk (Ticker: TTD), joining as the eighth employee and serving in roles such as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Client Officer. During his tenure, he played a significant role in scaling the company from its inception to a $50 billion market capitalization and a successful IPO.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rouss-Robertson Hall, 140 Hospital Drive, Charlottesville, United States