--- title: Stories and Updates | Horn Entrepreneurship | startups (3) description: startups | Stories, news and updates from Horn Entrepreneurship, the creative engine of University of Delaware (3) --- [![University of Delaware](https://horn.udel.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/HPE_Jan2017/logo.png?width=168&height=70&name=logo.png "University of Delaware")](http://udel.edu) #### Horn Entrepreneurship # [Stories & Updates](https://horn.udel.edu) ### [Step Up to the Plate at Fall Pitch Party](https://horn.udel.edu/step-up-to-the-plate-at-fall-pitch-party) Do you have an idea for a new product or service? Step up to the plate and take a swing at the [Fall Pitch Party](https://www.tfaforms.com/5197621) on Wednesday, October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Venture Development Center (VDC). This baseball-themed event is perfect for rookies who are new to pitching ideas or veteran players. It’s a fun, fast-paced night where creativity meets community and everyone walks away a winner. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/step-up-to-the-plate-at-fall-pitch-party) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 16, 2025 Topics: [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitch party](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitch-party) ### [Alana Hill and Creating Cleaner Spaces](https://horn.udel.edu/alana-hill-and-creating-cleaner-spaces) For this recent University of Delaware graduate, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business, it’s about building community. With a degree in Environmental Studies, a certificate in Eco-Entrepreneurship, and a passion for creating ethical, environmentally conscious solutions, Alana Hill, class of 2025, is already making waves with [Island Dream Clean](https://islanddreamclean.com/), a venture that blends eco-friendly products with education and connection. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/alana-hill-and-creating-cleaner-spaces) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 14, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [REEF@UD](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/reefud) ### [Startup Spirit in Overdrive: Tom Stauffer’s Story of Creativity+Growth](https://horn.udel.edu/startup-spirit-in-overdrive-tom-stauffers-story-of-creativitygrowth) Entrepreneur and alumnus Tom Stauffer, class of 2024, has turned a passion for cars and content into a multi-business brand. As the founder of [Tom’s Refurb](https://www.youtube.com/@TOMSREFURB), he creates unique automotive videos that have fueled the growth of three ventures: [tomsrefurb.shop](https://tomsrefurb.shop/) (an online shop for branded gear), [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/tomsrefurbraw)(a subscription platform where fans support creators in exchange for exclusive content), and [Speedy’s Equipment](https://speedysequipment.com/) (an automotive performance parts business). From small engine repairs as a teen to designing his own auto parts today, Tom’s entrepreneurial journey shows the power of creativity, persistence, and building with purpose. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/startup-spirit-in-overdrive-tom-stauffers-story-of-creativitygrowth) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • October 06, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startup advice](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startup-advice), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [demo day](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) ### [Falling Into Opportunity: Entrepreneurship at UD This Semester](https://horn.udel.edu/falling-into-opportunity-entrepreneurship-at-ud-this-semester)   As the leaves turn and a new school year begins, it’s the perfect season to plant the seeds of your next big idea. Horn Entrepreneurship offers students a variety of opportunities this fall to connect, learn, and grow as innovators. Whether you’re just curious about startups or already knee-deep in building your own venture, there’s something waiting for you. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/falling-into-opportunity-entrepreneurship-at-ud-this-semester) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • September 03, 2025 Topics: [enrichment](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/enrichment), [resources](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/resources), [opportunities](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/opportunities), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [VentureOn](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/ventureon) ### [Lifelong Lerner: Nicholai Williamson](https://horn.udel.edu/lifelong-lerner-nicholai-williamson) A native of Kingston, Jamaica, before moving to New Jersey in 2019, Nicholai Williamson is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as a [entrepreneurship](https://lerner.udel.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/majors/entrepreneurship-bs/) major with a minor in [professional selling and sales management](https://lerner.udel.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/minors/minor-in-professional-selling-and-sales-management/). [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/lifelong-lerner-nicholai-williamson) by [Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics](https://horn.udel.edu/author/alfred-lerner-college-of-business-economics) • August 04, 2025 Topics: [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [students](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) ### [Tickets Now Available for 2025 Summer Founders Demo Day](https://horn.udel.edu/tickets-now-available-for-2025-summer-founders-demo-day) After 12 weeks of building, testing, pitching, and growing, 19 student-led ventures are ready to take the stage. Horn Entrepreneurship invites you to join us for the **2025 Summer Founders Demo Day** on **Thursday, August 14**, where this year’s cohort will showcase their startups and share the progress they’ve made in UD’s premier startup pre-accelerator. Admission is complimentary, but advance registration is requested. [Register now.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-summer-founders-demo-day-tickets-1492181859109?aff=oddtdtcreator) [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/tickets-now-available-for-2025-summer-founders-demo-day) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • July 28, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [innovation](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/innovation), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [19 Teams Selected for 10th Cohort of Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/19-teams-selected-for-10th-cohort-of-summer-founders) Nineteen teams have been selected for Horn Entrepreneurship’s 2025 Summer Founders pre-accelerator program. This intensive 10-week experience gives University of Delaware students and recent graduates the opportunity to build their ventures full time with the support of resources, mentorship, and funding. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/19-teams-selected-for-10th-cohort-of-summer-founders) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • June 26, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [Summer Founders](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/summer-founders), [pre-accelerator](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pre-accelerator) ### [Brian Mahon on Cyber Risk, Reinvention & Launching Igloo Insurance](https://horn.udel.edu/brian-mahon-on-cyber-risk-reinvention-launching-igloo-insurance) Meet Brian Mahon (BS in Entrepreneurship & Technology Innovation, Class of 2017), better known as *Cyber Guy Bri*, and founder of [Igloo Insurance](http://www.iglooins.com/), a modern independent agency specializing in cyber, business, and personal insurance. With a career built on entrepreneurial grit, digital marketing savvy, and a bold leap into thought leadership, Brian shares what inspired him to launch Igloo and why reinvention can be a powerful tool for building a business that’s cool, credible, and completely his own. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/brian-mahon-on-cyber-risk-reinvention-launching-igloo-insurance) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • June 23, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [success stories](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/success-stories), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [internships](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/internships) ### [Alumna Allison Sanders on Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Taking a Leap](https://horn.udel.edu/alumna-allison-sanders-on-launching-a-creative-business-and-taking-risks) From working behind the scenes at Horn Entrepreneurship to launching her own creative business, UD Class of 2020 alumna [Allison Sanders](https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsandersgoup/) has charted a bold and unconventional path. In this Q&A, she reflects on what it’s like to be a solopreneur, the lessons she’s carried from campus into her career, and what advice she’d give to students looking to launch something of their own. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/alumna-allison-sanders-on-launching-a-creative-business-and-taking-risks) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • June 16, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [careers](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/careers), [alumni](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/alumni), [startup advice](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startup-advice), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups) ### [Eco-Innovators Take the Stage at REEF@UD Demo Day](https://horn.udel.edu/eco-innovators-take-the-stage-at-reefud-demo-day) The fourth annual **Ratcliffe Eco Entrepreneurship Fellows (REEF@UD)** [**Demo Day**](https://www.tfaforms.com/5173448) is just around the corner! On **Monday, May 5, from 4–7 p.m.** at the **Venture Development Center**, nine student teams will take the stage to pitch their bold, sustainability-focused ventures to a panel of expert judges. [Read More](https://horn.udel.edu/eco-innovators-take-the-stage-at-reefud-demo-day) by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) • April 17, 2025 Topics: [entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship), [competition](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/competition), [startups](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups), [pitching](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/pitching), [demo day](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/demo-day) [1](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups/page/1) [2](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups/page/2) 3 [4](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups/page/4) [5](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups/page/5) […](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups/page/8) [12](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/startups/page/12) ### Subscribe to Blog Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [entrepreneurship (242)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/entrepreneurship) - [community (225)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/community) - [students (158)](https://horn.udel.edu/topic/students) - 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