Husk Power Systems Eyes IPO and Aims to Provide Clean Energy to 100 Million
Husk Power Systems has come a long way since its co-founder and CEO, Manoj Sinha (MBA ’09), first tackled the lack of electricity in his home state of Bihar, India. Today, Husk owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of hybrid minigrids, has achieved profitability and plans to raise $400 million in debt and equity ahead of a planned IPO in 2027.
Alumni Entrepreneurs Share Insights, Experiences With Darden Audiences
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business Black Business Student Association, Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, and Batten Institute hosted a panel on Wednesday to celebrate diversity in business, highlighting challenges, successes and resilience through the insights of three Black business owners who have MBAs from the School.
‘Noogs’ Inventors Race to Grow Their Business
Paige Foote, a marathoner and running coach, and Ben Foote, a second-year University of Virginia Darden School of Business student, are the entrepreneurs behind Noogs, a startup company seeking to grow in the competitive world of sports nutrition.
How the Founder of JAS Drinks Pivoted from Mezcal to Mocktails
When serial entrepreneur Cecilia Rios Murrieta (MBA ‘22) launched her first craft spirit venture, she was driven by her passion for mezcal, tequila's smoky cousin. Her latest startup, JAS Drinks, was inspired by her newfound commitment to an alcohol-free lifestyle.
How One Visionary Entrepreneur’s Legacy is Fueling the Next Generation of Startups
The untimely passing of Damon DeVito (MBA ’94) in 2023 left a profound void but also galvanized the Darden community to celebrate his legacy. His mission continues through the newly established Damon DeVito Venture Velocity Fund. Created by J. Hunter Reichert (MBA ’94), Ian W. Ratcliffe (MBA ’94) and other members of the Class of 1994, the fund’s Fearless Founder Award supports students who embody the entrepreneurial ethos DeVito championed.
Vox Names Darden’s Anton Korinek to ‘Future Perfect 50’ List
This year, University of Virginia Darden School of Business professor Anton Korinek is among the select honorees appearing on the “Future Perfect 50” list compiled by Vox Media. Korinek also serves as a UVA professor of economics.
UVA Alums’ ‘Micro Farm’ Has Darden School Seeing Greens
Carl Lasley harvested basil plants, using scissors to carefully snip the aromatic herb, trimming some and completely harvesting others. The lush, richly green plants were grown in hydroponic trays in a corner of the food serving area at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry! A Darden Venture Holiday Gift Guide
Support Darden entrepreneurs this holiday season by giving gifts from companies founded by Darden alumni!
Goodwill’s New Resale Platform Is Way More High-Tech Than You Might Think
As Black Friday approaches, savvy shoppers are discovering that thrifting offers a sustainable alternative to traditional retail, with unique finds at bargain prices. One leader transforming the thrift shopping experience is Matt Kaness (MBA '02). When the opportunity to serve as CEO arose to lead GoodwillFinds eCommerce, a new social enterprise building an online marketplace for Goodwill organizations nationwide, he leapt at the chance.
Will the Innovation Economy Thrive or Suffer Under a Second Trump Presidency?
What might the new administration mean for the innovation economy, including artificial intelligence and sustainability? The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the Darden School of Business took a closer look.
How Taking Calculated Risks Helped Warren Thompson Grow a $1 Billion Business
When Warren Thompson visits new managers and leaders of the restaurants owned by his company, he often asks: Do you describe yourself as a corporate person or an entrepreneur? It isn’t a trick question. No real right or wrong. But Thompson (MBA ’83) clearly favors one answer.
UVA Darden Student Isabela Batista’s Journey from Favela to Finance
When Isabela Batista (Class of 2025) left her growing business in Rio de Janeiro to attend the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, she wasn’t just pursuing an MBA — she was pushing her limits.
