Ian is a driven and innovative student from the Class of 2024, who created his start-up, Legacy Loom. What began as a spark of inspiration at a wedding, where he felt a disconnect from the couple's history, evolved into a groundbreaking concept aimed at bridging emotional gaps during celebrations. Legacy Loom is a virtual storytelling platform that allows guests to delve into the hosts' past experiences, creating a more immersive and meaningful connection.
Ian became interested in entrepreneurship in August 2022, but it wasn't until a year later, with the encouragement of his professor Ted Foltyn, that he leaped to turn his idea into reality. His vision didn't stop there, Ian continued working on his business plan, refining, and reimagining Legacy Loom. The turning point for Ian came when he applied for Hen Hatch, a prestigious competition offering not only prizes but also mentorship from seasoned professionals. The excitement of possibly receiving advice from entrepreneurial experts fueled his determination to participate. Ian's favorite part of Hen Hatch was the nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience of presenting in front of peers, family, investors, and mentors. He says this was truly a defining moment that reinforced his passion for Legacy Loom.
Summing up Hen Hatch in three words, Ian chose "fun, emotional, and fulfilling," which reflects the intense yet rewarding nature of the competition. The lessons he learned during his time working on Legacy Loom is that dedication and perseverance are the cornerstones of success. He quotes legendary coach John Wooden, emphasizing the importance of integrity and consistency in entrepreneurship. Furthermore, Hen Hatch was a pivotal platform that propelled Ian's start-up journey to new heights. Leaving with important feedback and valuable insights, Ian reimagined Legacy Loom. Ian is focusing on the behind-the-scenes aspects of owning a business and how to make the platform the best it can be. He is currently working at a wealth management firm and is working on gaining firsthand experience in financial dynamics, which will pave the way for a successful relaunch of Legacy Loom with enhanced operations.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ian's advice is simple yet powerful: "Just go for it." He encourages fellow students to embrace risks, learn from failures, and seize opportunities while in college, a time with so many possibilities and opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, Ian envisions Legacy Loom scaling to unprecedented heights, necessitating the formation of a dedicated team. His long-term goals intertwine with his career aspirations, aiming to become a trusted advisor in wealth management while steering Legacy Loom as its CEO.
Outside his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ian's resilience defines him—a quality that has undoubtedly fueled his journey from concept to Hen Hatch finalist. As he keeps pushing forward in the world of entrepreneurship, Ian embodies that spirit of never giving up and always finding new ways to innovate.
About Horn Entrepreneurship
At the University of Delaware, Horn Entrepreneurship stands as the driving force for fostering entrepreneurship, education, and progress. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the US, Horn Entrepreneurship has been established and is actively championed by accomplished entrepreneurs. This support empowers aspiring innovators as they embark on the journey of exploring new ideas for a brighter and more impactful world.