Alumni Venture Seed FundHidden Genius Alum

TECHNOLOGY

Alumni Venture Seed Fund 2024-25

By January 30, 2025February 27th, 2025No Comments

PHASE THREE: Technology focused on helping the AVSF Founders move from conceptualizing their ideas to developing scalable, tech-driven solutions. The Founders explored the key steps involved in creating a minimum viable product (MVP), including refining their business concepts, designing wireframes, and validating ideas through customer feedback. The phase also covered essential topics such as product design, technical execution, and the importance of documenting and communicating ideas effectively. The Founders learned practical approaches for structuring data, leveraging AI to enhance product development, and using strategic tools to build and iterate on tech solutions. By the end of the phase, the Founders were equipped with the knowledge and skills to transform their entrepreneurial visions into actionable, technology-driven products.

2024-25 ALUMNI VENTURE SEED FUND FOUNDERS

Galanafai Windross

OAK3 // Founder of Aroni

Galanafai Windross is an Oakland native and a proud member of cohort 3 in The Hidden Genius Project. Thanks to The Hidden Genius Project, he earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Neuroscience from San Diego State University. He has a strong passion for robotics and deep tech, and recently gained significant experience coding computer vision solutions for autonomous underwater robots as part of the San Diego State Mechatronics Club, before graduating in 2023. Currently, he works part-time as a robotics software engineer at an unfunded startup called TRC Robotics.

He is deeply passionate about technology and its potential to improve lives. His ultimate goal is to support his community and create a stable and habitable world for future generations. This drive motivates him to establish his own company that will serve as a foundation for these dreams.

Jeremiah Gaines

RICH2 // Founder of Selfcare Mobile Health

My name is Jeremiah Gaines and I am an expert at building different companies such as Jerry’s windows and janitorial services. Selfmade is the best way clothing line,and king Jerry’s catering I have been in business for 9 years straight. and continue on providing the best I can for my customers.

I am deeply passionate about technology and its potential to improve lives. My ultimate goal is to support my community and create a stable and habitable world for future generations. This drive motivates me to establish my own company that will serve as a foundation for these dreams.

Glenn Ivory

OAK8 // Founder of Cross Connect

Glenn Ivory is dedicated to serving both his faith and his community. He is studying theology at California Baptist University, deepening his understanding of the Christian faith and preparing for a lifetime of ministry. As a Christian minister, he serves as an intern at Solid Rock C.O.G.I.C., where he is committed to supporting the church and its members through various ministries and outreach programs.

In addition to his ministerial duties, Glenn is a youth educator at The Hidden Genius Project, where he mentors and guides young people, helping them to realize their potential and develop their skills. As a youth educator, he has received ample opportunities to sharpen his tech skills and has found himself versed in multiple coding languages.

Glenn Ivory’s passion lies in serving the church, preaching the gospel, and uplifting his community. Whether through sermons, community service, The Hidden Genius Project, or personal interactions, he strives to make a positive impact and inspire others to find growth.

Elijah Flores

LA1 // Founder of Seremein

Elijah Flores is a driven Computer Science major with a minor in Business Administration at Morehouse College, expected to graduate in May 2027 with a GPA of 4.0. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his academic achievements, including multiple honors such as Highest Ranking Scholar and Department Award in Mathematics from Junipero Serra High School.

Currently serving as a Youth Educator at The Hidden Genius Project, Elijah mentors young adults in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He is also the Founder & CEO of ChurroManCan, where he manages all aspects of operations, emphasizing personalized consumer experiences and strategic partnerships. Elijah brings diverse experience, including an internship at Worksite Labs focusing on research and development. As an athlete in Morehouse Track and Field, he balances rigorous training with academic rigor, demonstrating his dedication to both sports and education. His leadership extends to event coordination as an Event Coordinator at The Cali Club, organizing impactful community engagements.

Click each founder above to learn more about them and their business ventures.

LESSON 1
How to Get Things Built

FACILITATORS: Eli Taylor

This session focused on refining entrepreneurial ideas and exploring the practical steps necessary to move from concept to a minimum viable product (MVP). Facilitated by Eli Taylor and Honorebel Walker, the workshop emphasized software development lifecycles, wireframe design, and the importance of customer interviews in validating and refining business concepts. Participants engaged in discussions about data modeling, content structuring, and the iterative process of building tech-based solutions.

LESSON 2:
Product Design

FACILITATOR: Scott Hanselman

This session was an engaging and practical exploration of product design and technical execution, led by Scott Hanselman. The focus was on turning ideas into actionable plans by utilizing tools such as wireframes, diagrams, and user stories. Participants learned how to effectively document, communicate, and validate their concepts, setting the foundation for creating scalable solutions.

LESSON 3:
Complete MVP Technology

FACILITATOR: Jason Phillips

This session provided an insightful discussion on entrepreneurial ventures and the foundational steps for creating a minimum viable product (MVP). Facilitated by Jayson Philips and attended by Hidden Genius Project alumni, the focus was on leveraging technology, customer engagement, and strategic tools to enhance venture development. Participants explored methods for defining problems, gathering requirements, and building scalable MVPs tailored to their target audiences.

LESSON 4:
Technical Design

FACILITATOR: Eli Taylor

This session focused on practical approaches to structuring and developing tech-based solutions. Facilitated by Eli Taylor and Honorebel Walker, the discussion revolved around data structuring, software development approaches, and leveraging AI to streamline product development. Participants engaged in interactive discussions on database organization, content management, and AI-driven solutions for language learning applications.

LESSON 5:
Data Structure and Solutions

FACILITATOR: Eli Taylor

This session focused on refining entrepreneurial ideas, particularly in structuring data and developing tech-based solutions. Facilitated by Eli Taylor, the discussion covered database organization, content structuring, and leveraging AI for product development. Participants engaged in hands-on activities related to data modeling, quiz creation, and using AI-powered tools.