Stories & Updates

Meet Davis Pfund—a Renewable Energy Professional, Social Entrepreneur, Community Builder, Event Producer, Visionary Artist, Multi-Instrumental Musician, and Avid Tree Hugger. With a passion for sustainability, social impact, and regenerative living, Davis has launched multiple ventures that combine entrepreneurship with a mission to create a better world.

In the first part of our series, we explored how Blake Armentano (‘20) turned his experience as a fitness studio owner into a thriving tech startup, Revi Solutions. Now, in Part 2, we take a closer look at his journey beyond Oh-So Cycle—why he decided to go all-in on Revi, the meaning behind the brand, and the experiences that shaped him as an entrepreneur.  

We’ll also dive into Blake’s passion for creating opportunities for others and what excites him most about the road ahead. Read on as we uncover the mindset and mission driving his success!

Starting a business is never easy, but UD alumnus Blake Armentano (‘20) has done it twice—first with his indoor cycling studio, Oh-So Cycle, and now with his AI-driven startup, Revi Solutions. What started as a way to improve client engagement at his gym has grown into a powerful tool helping fitness businesses boost retention and revenue.  

A friend of alumna and entrepreneur Daphne Vantine, 2019 alumna Rachel Heim and her venture, Vanilla Joe & Co., are the next feature in our series featuring alumni. Vanilla Joe & Co. is candle shop that caters to dog lovers.

Our first feature in the series focuses on Daphne Vantine, a 2018 graduate of the University of Delaware. She majored in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Integrated Design. In her undergrad she was heavily involved in VentureOn and was also a Horn Ambassador. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Daphne enjoys thrifting and supporting local small businesses like her own.

Horn receives transformative gift from Stanford family to support Summer Founders program

The latest recipients for Blue Hen 17&43 Most Promising Venture awards were announced at the first Blue Hen Innovation Fest. Theseawards are Horn Entrepreneurship and the Lerner College of Business & Economics' annual recognition of the University of Delaware's most promising early-stage startups.

Horn Entrepreneurship recently honored Dave Raymond with the 2024 Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Nasir Young with the 2024 Student Award at a private dinner and award ceremony. The Siegfried Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership recognizes exceptional individuals who have not only shown themselves to be stewards of innovation through significant contributions to the leadership ecosystem, but have also made a significant positive impact on their communities and industries.

Over the past year, University of Delaware’s community of brilliant entrepreneurs and innovators continues to shine, leaving a trail of impressive achievements in their wake. From securing vital funding through investments and grants to earning top honors in awards and competitions, UD students, faculty, and alumni consistently push the boundaries of excellence. Their hard work and ingenuity have garnered well-deserved recognition from notable figures and publications alike. Below, we celebrate their remarkable accomplishments, categorized by the incredible contributions of the students, alumni, faculty & staff, and the Horn National Advisory Board.