In 2009, **Lauren Gropper** was working as a sustainability consultant on the HBO series *Entourage*. What she witnessed on set sparked an idea that would lead her to entrepreneurship. 

### The Problem: Waste on Set
Gropper noticed the excessive use of single-use plastics by the crew during meals and breaks. Additionally, sets built for the show were often discarded after filming—a common, yet unsustainable practice in Hollywood at the time. Her role was to assess how these sets could be designed for disassembly and reuse, highlighting the industry's need for greener solutions.

### The Birth of a Sustainable Idea
This experience led Gropper to envision a more sustainable approach to production waste. While the article doesn't detail her specific business, it's clear her time on *Entourage* was a catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey in sustainability.

Lauren Gropper watched as the crew grabbed single-use plastic for their meals and breaks. She wanted to come up with a more sustainable approach.

From Hollywood Sets to Sustainable Startups: The Inspiring Journey of Lauren Gropper

A groundbreaking Dubai-based startup, **Xpanceo**, has successfully raised **$250 million** in a Series A funding round to advance the development of its innovative **smart contact lenses**. These lenses are not just any ordinary contact lenses; they boast **night vision**, **zoom capabilities**, and **real-time health monitoring** features, setting a new standard in wearable technology.

### The Funding Round
Led by **Hong Kong-based Opportunity Venture (Asia) Ltd.**, this funding round has catapulted Xpanceo's valuation to an impressive **$1.35 billion**. This marks a significant milestone for the startup, especially considering that Opportunity Venture had previously invested **$40 million** in seed financing back in 2023.

### The Vision Behind Xpanceo
Founded by a collaborative duo from Russia and Ukraine, Xpanceo is at the forefront of merging **technology with healthcare**, aiming to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. Their smart contact lenses could potentially transform everyday life for millions, offering unparalleled convenience and safety features.

A Dubai-based startup founded by a Russian and a Ukrainian raised $250 million to develop smart contact lenses that provide night vision, zoom capabilities and real-time health checks.

Revolutionary Night-Vision Contact Lenses: Dubai Startup Secures $250M in Funding

**Jamie Ane Eubanks**, the visionary CEO and co-founder of **Magical Vacation Planner (MVP)**, has taken a heartfelt step back to her roots with the grand opening of the **MVP Entrepreneur Learning Center (ELC)** in Mitchell, Indiana. This new facility not only honors the company’s humble beginnings but also aims to inspire the next generation of dreamers and entrepreneurs in the travel industry.

![Magical Vacation Planner Co-founders Jamie and J.J. Eubanks](https://www.wbiw.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image.jpeg?v=1751302375)

*"Bringing the MVP Entrepreneur Learning Center to life in my hometown of Mitchell, Indiana, is truly a full-circle moment,"* said Jamie Eubanks. *"This is where it all began, where MVP took its very first steps."*

Founded nearly **20 years ago**, MVP started as a spark in Jamie’s passion for travel, combined with her education in marketing and tourism. Despite initial challenges, Jamie built MVP into one of the most respected names in the travel industry, especially in **Disney-focused planning**.

Today, Jamie serves on **Disney’s Earmarked Travel Advisory Council**, and under her leadership, MVP has been recognized as a **Diamond Agency with Disney**, a **U-Preferred partner with Universal**, and a two-time **Central Partner of the Year with Royal Caribbean**.

The new **MVP ELC** in Mitchell is designed to be more than just an office—it’s a **hub for creativity, mentorship, and innovation**. *"Every inch of this center reflects love, purpose, and a hometown commitment,"* said J.J. Eubanks.

MVP’s commitment to the community is evident through its open-door mission, as emphasized by **Betsy, the Director of Customer and Community Affairs for MVP**: *"We’re here to serve Mitchell with open arms."*

In preparation for the grand opening, MVP is welcoming top vendor partners including **Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando Resort, Royal Caribbean, and Sandals & Beaches Resorts**.

The grand opening of the **MVP Entrepreneur Learning Center** will take place on **Saturday, July 12**, from **1 p.m. to 4 p.m.** at **242 State Road 60 E in Mitchell, Indiana**. Everyone is invited to experience the magic and connect with the MVP team.

Jamie Ane Eubanks, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Magical Vacation Planner (MVP), continues to shape the travel planning industry with a heartfelt retu ...

From Hometown Dreams to Disney Dreams: The Magical Journey of MVP's Entrepreneur Learning Center

**Emporia Main Street** is on the lookout for two dynamic individuals to join their team, thanks to the **FORGE grant** program supported by the Kansas Department of Commerce. This initiative, announced earlier this year, has provided Main Street with a significant boost—$375,000 from the grant, matched by another $375,000 from Emporia State University (ESU).

### **Strategic Partnerships and Opportunities**
Main Street Director **Casey Woods** highlights the collaborative efforts between Main Street and ESU, focusing on **strategizing outreach** to existing businesses and entrepreneurs. The goal? To offer **microgrant and pitch opportunities** that spur the creation of new products and services, ultimately leading to **job creation and increased wealth** in the area.

### **New Positions Available**
With the FORGE grant in action, two new roles have emerged:
- **Fabrication Lab Outreach and Innovation Specialist**: Assisting Fab Lab Manager Jeremy Wharton in managing the surging interest in the Fab Lab, which has grown faster than anticipated.
- **Marketing and Events Coordinator**: Working alongside Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz to enhance Main Street's visibility and event management.

### **FORGE Grant Objectives**
The FORGE project, spanning three years, aims to:
- **Increase technology access** for businesses and entrepreneurs.
- **Foster partnerships** to unlock new opportunities for local and regional businesses.
- **Leverage ESU's resources** to develop skills for business startups, expansions, and recruitment.

### **Future Plans**
By the **third or fourth quarter of this year**, Woods anticipates announcements regarding pitch opportunities for both new and existing businesses, marking a significant milestone in the grant's timeline.

![Emporia Main Street Fab Lab](https://example.com/fab-lab-image.jpg)

Emporia Main Street is in search of two good people as it continues work through a special grant announced ear...

Emporia Main Street Expands Team with FORGE Grant to Boost Local Entrepreneurship

**An Indianapolis business owner, Brian Schutt, has been appointed to lead Indiana's new Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.** This office is set to focus on supporting Hoosiers in launching the next generation of Main Street businesses. Schutt, a Purdue University business school graduate and co-founder of Refinery46 and Homesense Heating and Cooling, emphasizes the importance of sharing success stories to inspire potential entrepreneurs.

![Brian Schutt](https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/P6252558-scaled.jpg)
*Gov. Mike Braun leads an Indiana Economic Development Corporation meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.*

The office was established by the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year, alongside an Indiana Economic Development Corporation transparency effort. It's tasked with developing programs to support small business growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Schutt sees the office's role as not dictating how businesses should flourish but rather supporting them and getting out of their way.

**Indiana's entrepreneurship landscape** currently lags slightly behind national averages, with fewer new entrepreneurs and jobs created by startups compared to the rest of the country. Schutt is particularly interested in youth entrepreneurship, highlighting programs like Innovate WithIN and High School Hustle that encourage problem-solving mindsets from a young age.

Schutt's passion for entrepreneurship extends to lemonade stands, which he sees as a foundational experience for young entrepreneurs. Despite legislative challenges in protecting these stands, Schutt believes in the catalytic effect of children earning their first dollar through their own ventures.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will be directed by Indianapolis business owner Brian Schutt, a lemonade stand enthusiast.

Indiana's New Entrepreneurship Director Aims to Spark Main Street Business Boom

**AI is transforming Hollywood**, and a wave of startups, backed by venture capitalists, are at the forefront of this revolution. From enhancing marketing strategies with AI to creating groundbreaking content, these companies are reshaping the entertainment industry.

![AMC Networks' "Better Call Saul." The company recently did a deal with Runway to use its AI for marketing.](https://i.insider.com/625dafa83958c2001823eff2?width=700)

### The Rise of AI in Entertainment

- **Runway** has partnered with AMC Networks to leverage AI in marketing campaigns, showcasing the potential of AI in creative processes.
- Startups are developing tools that **automate editing, generate scripts, and even create virtual actors**, reducing production costs and time.

### Venture Capital's Role

Venture capitalists are **heavily investing** in AI startups that promise to disrupt traditional Hollywood workflows. These investments are not just about financial returns but also about **shaping the future of entertainment**.

### Challenges and Opportunities

While AI offers **unprecedented opportunities**, it also poses challenges, including ethical concerns and the potential displacement of jobs. However, the industry is optimistic about finding a balance that benefits all stakeholders.

Here's a rundown of the AI companies that are transforming Hollywood and the pitch decks some of them used to raise funding.

How AI Startups Are Revolutionizing Hollywood: The Inside Scoop

## The Digital Health IPO Revival

After a prolonged hiatus, the digital health sector is witnessing a resurgence in public market activity. **Hinge Health** and **Omada Health** have recently made successful public debuts, reigniting interest in healthcare startups. Bankers and investors have identified nine startups that could be next in line for an IPO, signaling a potential wave of public offerings in the near future.

### Key Players in the Pipeline

1. **Aledade**: Focused on value-based care, Aledade has raised $660 million and works with over 2,400 practices. Its high revenue and profitability position it as a strong IPO candidate.

2. **Datavant**: With a $7 billion valuation from its merger with Ciox Health, Datavant's recent acquisitions hint at IPO preparations.

3. **Lyra Health**: The mental health giant, valued at $5.58 billion, is under new leadership with public market experience, potentially paving the way for an IPO.

4. **Medline**: A veteran in medical supplies, Medline's confidential S-1 filing suggests an impending public offering, possibly valuing the company at up to $50 billion.

5. **Maven Clinic**: Specializing in women's and family health, Maven's recent executive hires with IPO experience indicate its public market ambitions.

6. **Spring Health**: This AI-powered mental health startup, valued at $3.3 billion, is expanding its services and could be a prime candidate for an IPO.

7. **Transcarent**: Following its acquisition of Accolade, Transcarent's expanded customer base and $2.2 billion valuation make it a contender for a public listing.

8. **Virta Health**: With a focus on diabetes and obesity care, Virta's growth and profitability goals align with IPO readiness.

9. **Zelis**: A stable player in healthtech software, Zelis's strong economics and recent capital raise position it well for a future IPO.

### Market Conditions and Future Outlook

Despite the optimism, market uncertainties persist, with many startups eyeing 2026 or later for their IPOs. The success of recent debuts, however, offers a glimmer of hope for the sector's revival.

![Kyle Armbrester, CEO of Datavant](https://i.insider.com/6864280bf748d8c055f4bf0e?width=700)

*Kyle Armbrester, CEO of Datavant, a potential IPO candidate.*

The digital health market is welcoming new IPOs for the first time in years. Bankers and investors think these 9 startups could go public next.

9 Healthcare Startups Poised for IPO Success in 2026

## **Echo: A Beacon for Entrepreneurs in the Triangle Area**

The Triangle area, particularly Durham, is celebrated as the **"startup capital of the South,"** thanks to its vibrant ecosystem fueled by three research universities, innovative industries, and a supportive community. At the heart of this ecosystem is **Echo**, a Durham-based entrepreneurial support organization founded on the principles of **community and collaboration**.

### **The Power of Entrepreneurship**

Anjanette Miller, CEO of Echo, shares her personal journey: **"Entrepreneurship saved my life."** As a young, single mother, Miller found in entrepreneurship a path to build a life she had only dreamed of. Today, she leads Echo with a vision to help others unlock opportunities, grow their ventures, and contribute to **generational change**.

### **What Echo Offers**

Echo serves both **youth and adult entrepreneurs** through a variety of programs designed to foster growth and innovation:

- **Startup sprints and accelerators**
- **Teen-led incubators**
- **UnStuck Workshops**
- **Near-peer Mentorship**
- **Business resource navigation**

Coming in fall 2025, Echo will expand its offerings to include **office hours, a Founders’ Summit, and community pitch nights**. These initiatives aim to be a **launchpad and lifeline** for entrepreneurs at every stage.

### **Impact and Success Stories**

Last year, Echo supported over **400 youth and adult entrepreneurs** and distributed more than **$50,000** in internships, stipends, and scholarships. One standout story is of a student who, despite being dismissed by a teacher, went on to win Echo’s pitch competition, secure an internship at Duke University, and is now a rising sophomore at **Harvard University on a full ride**.

### **Why Echo Matters**

Miller describes Echo as **"a movement, not just a program."** In North Carolina, especially in underfunded and rural areas, entrepreneurs and small business owners are often the glue holding communities together. **"If we don’t invest in them, we miss the opportunity to build an inclusive economy,"** she emphasizes.

Local supporters like **Whitley Law Firm** recognize Echo’s impact. Ben Whitley notes, **"Their focus on mentorship and hands-on support creates a lasting impact by building strong foundations."**

### **How You Can Help**

Miller invites everyone to **believe in entrepreneurs**:

- **Follow and share Echo’s stories**
- **Volunteer your expertise**
- **Become a mentor**
- **Donate if you can**
- **Attend pitch nights and support local founders**

These small acts collectively build an **ecosystem of support** that fuels dreams and drives innovation.

For more information or to get involved, visit [www.echo-nc.org](http://www.echo-nc.org).

Founded upon the ideals of community and collaboration, Echo is a collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem which envisions a world where the transformative power of entrepreneurship can help individuals unlock opportunity, grow their ventures, and contribute to generational change.

From Hollywood Sets to Sustainable Startups: The Inspiring Journey of Lauren Gropper

Summary:

The Problem: Waste on Set

The Birth of a Sustainable Idea

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Revolutionary Night-Vision Contact Lenses: Dubai Startup Secures $250M in Funding

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Other Latest News

Revolutionary Night-Vision Contact Lenses: Dubai Startup Secures $250M in Funding

From Hometown Dreams to Disney Dreams: The Magical Journey of MVP's Entrepreneur Learning Center

Emporia Main Street Expands Team with FORGE Grant to Boost Local Entrepreneurship

Indiana's New Entrepreneurship Director Aims to Spark Main Street Business Boom

How AI Startups Are Revolutionizing Hollywood: The Inside Scoop

9 Healthcare Startups Poised for IPO Success in 2026

Echo: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Overcome Barriers and Build Legacies