Students Hoping to Change the World of Financial Literacy.
CEO and Founder
Jacob was a 2022 TAMID Fellowship recipient, a funded, two month program in Tel Aviv, Israel for the international startup consulting organization. As TAMID’s Vice President of Fundraising, Jacob organically raised over $13,000 to launch TAMID’s national fundraising campaign. Capitalizing on his double major in the Wisconsin School of Business, Jacob was selected as an intern class emerging leader by development directors during his internship at Wells Fargo in their 2023 Corporate and Investment Banking Internship Program, where he later received and accepted a return offer to join their NYC office full-time.
CTO
Ayush is an avid computer scientist focused on building advanced applications. Through his involvement at the UW BADGER lab and participating in several hackathons, Ayush has gained invaluable technical experience. Specifically, Ayush has a strong understanding of web development (SvelteKit, React.js, Tailwind CSS, databases), artificial intelligence (statistical learning, deep learning, neural networks, etc.), and project management skills.
Chief Engineer
Hadley Griffin-Schmidt, an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, brings diverse experience to Sprout as Chief Engineer. With roles at UW-Madison CoE Makerspace and as an Overnight Camp Counselor, he's demonstrated problem-solving and leadership skills. Hadley's academic achievements, including a 3.82 GPA and membership in Alpha Kappa Psi, underscore his dedication. As the founder of Run4Justice, he's committed to social action. With technical expertise and a passion for innovation, Hadley contributes to Sprout's mission of empowering individuals and families through financial literacy and investment opportunities.
IOS Development Lead
Jeet Mehta, a Computer Science and Data Science student at UW-Madison, spearheads iOS development at Sprout. Proficient in Java, Python, Swift, and C++, he's honing his skills in app development. With experience as a Data Analytics Intern at TalentDial and as a Student Instrumentation Processor at UW Medical Radiation Research Center, Jeet brings a blend of technical expertise and practical know-how to the team. His certifications in iOS Development and UI/UX Design underscore his commitment to excellence in mobile application development.
CMO
Ben Barnes, Chief Marketing Officer at Sprout, brings a wealth of experience in content creation and strategic communications. As a Student Content Creator at Wisconsin Athletics and Communications Director at Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, he excels in crafting engaging narratives. Ben's proficiency in videography and photography, showcased through his work with Ben Barnes Media and various sports organizations, underscores his ability to captivate audiences. Workign towards a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Management from UW-Madison, Ben combines creativity with marketing acumen to drive Sprout's growth.
Brand Development Lead
Samantha Rubinstein, Brand Development Lead at Sprout, leverages her expertise in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies to drive brand strategy. With a background in Entrepreneurship and Business, she excels in understanding market dynamics. Samantha's passion for the beauty industry, honed through her internship at the Estée Lauder Companies, fuels her innovative approach to marketing. Through her makeup artistry showcased on social media, she cultivates an engaged audience and shares industry insights. Samantha's involvement in campus organizations like the Women's Network and MODA Magazine demonstrates her commitment to leadership and community engagement.
Web Developer Lead
Enzo Magnoli, Web Development Lead at Sprout, is a skilled developer specializing in creating user-centric digital experiences. With a background in Computer Science and extensive experience in web development technologies, Enzo brings a blend of technical expertise and creativity to the team. His proficiency in frontend and backend development ensures the seamless functionality of Sprout's online platform. Enzo's dedication to delivering high-quality, responsive designs enhances user engagement and drives growth for the company.
Don't worry, we're not flying blind. Our mentors bring a wealth of financial knowledge to to table.
Sprout Advisor
Currently, being a Professor of Finance at the Wisconsin School of Business and having a Ph.D. from Florida State University, I am thrilled to use my experience to help Sprout grow. I believe Sprout is a significant advancement in the world of personal finance, transforming spare change - often relegated to drawers and forgotten - into a powerful tool for wealth creation. By converting this idle currency, which is a deadweight loss due to inflation, into investments, Sprout not only helps individuals combat the erosion of their purchasing power but also fosters a culture of financial literacy and responsibility. Its intuitive platform makes it ideal for children, and their parents, to learn about the value of saving, while the added incentive to follow the stock market instills a deeper comfort of investing from an early age. Moreover, by unlocking a significant pool of capital, Sprout not only benefits individuals but also empowers corporations to access much-needed resources for investment, driving economic growth and prosperity.
As an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Wisconsin School of Business and a PhD graduate from Wharton with a focus on finance and technology, I am excited to help mentor the Sprout team. Our platform offers a fun and interactive way for young people to grasp the value of money, shaping a financially literate generation.