## A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

**Ben Rosenthal** and **Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld**, co-presidents of **Standard Meat Company**, have been named the **2025 Entrepreneurs of Excellence** by *Forth Worth Inc.* magazine. This prestigious award recognizes their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and business leadership.

### Fourth-Generation Leadership

Rosenthal and Blumenfeld are siblings and **fourth-generation leaders** of the **90-year-old, Fort Worth-based company**. Their family's legacy in the meat industry spans nearly a century, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to continuity and innovation.

### Competitive Recognition

They were among **14 winners** chosen from **42 finalists** representing **33 companies**. Independent judges evaluated candidates based on their entrepreneurial spirit, business achievements, and community impact. This competitive selection process highlights the exceptional quality of their leadership.

![Ribbon cutting for the new Standard Meat facility. (Standard Meat)](https://meatingplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SMC_Plant_ribbon_cutting_9.17.25_1-1068x801.jpg)

### A New Chapter of Growth

The award comes at a significant time for Standard Meat Company, as evidenced by the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new facility. This expansion represents a **strategic investment in the future** of the company and the meat processing industry.

### Building on a Strong Foundation

Standard Meat Company has established itself as a **key player in the meat processing sector** over nine decades. Under the leadership of Rosenthal and Blumenfeld, the company continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage. Their approach combines traditional values with modern business practices, ensuring sustainability and growth.

### The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Family Businesses

This recognition underscores the **vital role of family-owned businesses** in the economy. The success of Standard Meat Company demonstrates how **generational leadership** can drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage in challenging industries.

### Looking Ahead

As Standard Meat Company enters its tenth decade, the entrepreneurial excellence award serves as both validation of past achievements and inspiration for future endeavors. The company's trajectory under its fourth-generation leaders suggests continued growth and influence in the meat processing landscape.

Standard Meat Company co-presidents Ben Rosenthal and Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld were named 2025 Entrepreneurs of Excellence by Forth Worth Inc. magazine. Rosenthal and Blumenfeld are siblings and fourth-generation leaders of the 90-year-old, Fort Worth-based company. They were among 14 winners chosen from 42 finalists representing 33 companies. Independent judges evaluated... Standard Meat Company co-presidents Ben […]

Fourth-Generation Siblings Lead 90-Year-Old Meat Company to Entrepreneurial Excellence Award

Prince William County schools have launched an ambitious new strategic plan called **'Elevate 2030'**, aiming to transform education by 2030 with a focus on technology and early childhood learning. The plan was officially unveiled at a celebration event on Monday night, highlighting a commitment to innovation and student success.

### Key Initiatives of the 'Elevate 2030' Plan

One of the cornerstone elements of the plan is the introduction of **universal pre-K** programs across the county. This initiative is designed to provide early education access to all children, setting a strong foundation for future academic achievement and addressing educational equity from an early age.

In addition to early childhood education, the plan heavily integrates advanced technologies into the curriculum. Schools will incorporate **augmented reality (AR)** and **virtual reality (VR)** tools to create immersive learning experiences. These technologies are expected to enhance student engagement and understanding in subjects like science, history, and the arts.

### Emphasis on Entrepreneurship and AI

The 'Elevate 2030' plan also places a strong emphasis on fostering **entrepreneurship** among students. By integrating business and innovation skills into the curriculum, the schools aim to prepare students for the evolving job market and encourage creative problem-solving.

**Artificial intelligence (AI)** will play a significant role in this transformation, with plans to use AI-driven tools for personalized learning, administrative efficiency, and data analysis to track student progress and tailor educational approaches.

### Goals and Vision for 2030

By 2030, Prince William County schools envision a system where technology and early education work hand-in-hand to produce well-rounded, tech-savvy graduates. The plan includes ongoing community involvement and partnerships with local businesses and tech companies to support these initiatives.

This strategic move reflects a broader trend in education towards leveraging technology to improve outcomes and prepare students for a digital future, making Prince William County a potential model for other districts.

Prince William County schools celebrated the launch of its new strategic plan Monday night, which will bring universal pre-K, augmented and virtual reality and more by 2030.

How Prince William Schools' 'Elevate 2030' Plan is Shaping the Future of Education with AI, VR, and Universal Pre-K

## The Birth of a Creative Vision

Howie Zanto has owned **Living Light Studio** on Fourth Street in Fond du Lac for almost 50 years, sharing his experiences as he nears retirement. This remarkable journey began in 1977 when Zanto opened the store with friend and artist Dale Navis.

Zanto's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked while visiting Navis, who was doing glasswork in his basement. When the building became available, the two seized the opportunity to start their business. "The name came to me like in a dream," Zanto recalled. "The glass is living, and it's light, and I thought, 'Oh, Living Light Studio.'"

## Building a Legacy Through Partnership and Innovation

The building itself had previously been a grocery store. For the first few years, they rented part of the space to a comic book store before expanding to use the entire area. Zanto's father played a crucial role in transforming the space, building cases, windows, and skylights to showcase their glasswork.

After a few years, they purchased a second building but soon decided to run separate businesses. This marked a turning point when Living Light began selling jewelry, thanks to Zanto's partnership with his now-wife, Liz Woodworth-Zanto.

![Howie and Liz Woodworth-Zanto pose in the Living Light Studio](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2025/12/15/PSHE/87784262007-121525-fdl-living-light-studio-gck-01.JPG)
*Howie and Liz Woodworth-Zanto in their studio (Credit: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)*

In January 1988, Zanto purchased another building on Hickory and Division streets, beginning an eventful year that included gutting the building with his father, getting engaged, and opening Woodworth-Zanto's silversmith shop. After about a decade, they moved the jewelry business into the original Living Light store.

## Mentorship and Adaptation Through Challenges

Over the years, the store became a training ground for high school students through experience-based career education programs. Two students stayed on for 20 to 30 years, demonstrating the lasting impact of Zanto's mentorship.

The **COVID-19 pandemic** brought significant changes to the business model. Since then, the store has operated primarily by appointment, opening regularly only during holiday seasons like Mother's Day and Christmas.

## Preparing for the Next Chapter

After nearly 50 years, Zanto is ready to retire and hopes to sell the business to someone who will continue its legacy. "I'd sell it tomorrow, but I always thought since I started the business in 1977, 50 years later I would be 77," he said. "At that point, it's gonna definitely be time to be out of here."

![Howie and Liz Woodworth-Zanto pose in the Living Light Studio](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2025/12/15/PSHE/87784266007-121525-fdl-living-light-studio-gck-03.JPG)
*The couple in their studio (Credit: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)*

The most rewarding memories involve his customers, particularly watching children grow up and return with their own families. About four years ago, Zanto decided to step back from soldering fumes and explore a new creative medium: painting. "I always thought when I retired, I'd try painting," he explained. "So, I researched for about three months and thought I'd give it a try."

His paintings now add another dimension to the studio and were featured in the Langdon Divers Community Gallery at the Fond du Lac Public Library. After retirement, he plans to focus more on painting and establish an online presence. "I've got that entrepreneurship in my blood. It's going to be hard to give that up," he admitted.

## Holiday Seasons and Future Potential

The appointment-only structure works well for Zanto, allowing him flexibility while maintaining customer relationships. He particularly enjoys the holiday seasons when regular hours resume and he can connect with customers during the busiest time of year.

![A lamp and other gifts at Living Light Studio](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2025/12/15/PSHE/87784261007-121525-fdl-living-light-studio-gck-02.JPG)
*Products at Living Light Studio (Credit: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)*

For a future owner, Zanto sees tremendous potential for growth and revitalization. If a buyer wants to maintain it as a glass shop, there's plenty of equipment and materials available. The business represents not just a retail space but a **50-year legacy** of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship.

Living Light Studio is currently open with extended holiday hours until Christmas, with updates available on their Facebook page. Zanto can be contacted directly at 920-251-6017 or through the store at 920-921-1962.

Howie Zanto has owned Living Light Studio on Fourth Street for almost 50 years, and shares his experiences in the business as he nears retirement.

From Basement Dreams to 50-Year Legacy: The Inspiring Journey of Living Light Studio's Founder

## A New Wave of African Entrepreneurship

Across Africa, a new generation of entrepreneurs is redefining how business can serve both profit and purpose. From fintech to creative commerce, founders are building platforms that not only scale but also address long-standing gaps in access, equity, and representation. One such founder is **Latifa Seini**, a Ghanaian entrepreneur preparing to launch **Lembrih Marketplace**, a mission-driven e-commerce platform designed to support Black and African vendors in reaching global consumers.

## The Challenges in Global E-Commerce

E-commerce has lowered many barriers to international trade, yet African and Black-owned businesses still face disproportionate challenges when attempting to scale beyond local markets. High seller fees, limited visibility, logistical constraints, and platforms optimized for mass production often leave small-batch creators and artisans at a disadvantage. **Lembrih Marketplace** was created in direct response to those structural limitations.

Seini’s journey into entrepreneurship began well before Lembrih. Born and raised in Ghana, she later launched **Flaunt Ankara**, an African print business that connected her with customers interested in culturally rich products. Demand existed, but sustaining growth proved difficult. Mainstream platforms often buried small brands under algorithm-driven discovery systems while charging fees that eroded already narrow margins.

Those experiences offered Seini an education in what many African entrepreneurs face when navigating global commerce. “I realized that talent and demand weren’t the problem,” she has said. “**Access and fairness were.**”

## Building a Platform with Vendor Equity at Its Core

That realization became the foundation for **Lembrih Marketplace**, a Black-owned business platform designed with vendor equity at its core. Unlike many established marketplaces, Lembrih offers sellers 30 days commission-free, followed by a pricing structure that remains accessible as businesses grow. Vendors can choose between a **$10 monthly subscription plus 10 percent commission** or a **15 percent commission with no subscription**, a model that significantly undercuts many global competitors.

Pricing, however, is only part of Lembrih’s value proposition. The platform integrates philanthropy directly into its operations by **donating $1 from every purchase to charitable causes**. In a sector where corporate social responsibility is often an afterthought, Lembrih embeds generosity into every transaction. The platform’s name, “Lembrih,” meaning “black” in the Gonja language of Ghana, signals both cultural pride and a broader mission of collective uplift.

## Leveraging Professional Expertise for Scalability

Seini’s professional background brings an additional layer to the platform’s development. Outside of entrepreneurship, she works in **IT training and enablement**, leading leadership development initiatives and programs focused on the future of AI and workforce readiness. This experience informs Lembrih’s approach to scalability and technology, ensuring the platform can grow while remaining accessible to vendors with varying levels of digital literacy.

The timing of Lembrih’s launch also reflects shifting consumer behavior. Globally, **conscious consumerism** continues to gain momentum, with shoppers increasingly prioritizing ethical sourcing, transparency, and support for small businesses. For African vendors and Black-owned brands, this shift presents an opportunity to reach customers who value authenticity and cultural connection over mass-produced goods.

## A Mission Beyond Commerce

For Seini, the mission behind Lembrih extends beyond commerce. As global conflicts and humanitarian crises continue to impact parts of Africa, including regions such as Sudan and the Congo, she felt compelled to find ways to contribute that moved beyond short-term aid. While personal donations offered some relief, she believed **sustainable economic empowerment** would create a longer-lasting impact.

By helping African and Black vendors build viable businesses, Lembrih aims to support families, strengthen local economies, and create pathways for generational wealth. “If people can earn consistently from their craft,” Seini has noted, “they gain more than income. **They gain stability and dignity.**”

## Current Status and Future Vision

Currently, **Lembrih Marketplace** is in its **Kickstarter pre-launch phase**, raising awareness and support ahead of its official launch. The campaign is designed to fund final platform development, vendor onboarding, and early marketing efforts. It also serves as a signal of market demand, inviting early adopters, ethical shoppers, and creatives to participate in shaping the platform from the ground up.

Support for the initiative has come from a growing online community cultivated through social media and content sharing. Seini has built an engaged audience by openly sharing her journey as a founder, working mother, and community builder. That transparency has resonated with women entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating similar challenges.

Looking ahead, Seini envisions Lembrih becoming a leading global marketplace for Black and African handmade goods, with vendors spanning the continent and diaspora. Beyond e-commerce, she sees the platform evolving into an ecosystem that includes education, storytelling, and partnerships that further amplify underrepresented voices.

As African-led startups continue to attract global attention, **Lembrih Marketplace** represents a different kind of innovation. It is not driven by scale alone, but by intention. In an increasingly crowded digital economy, Seini’s approach highlights a growing belief among African entrepreneurs: that business can be both profitable and principled, global and deeply rooted in community.

How a Ghanaian Founder is Revolutionizing Global E-Commerce with Ethical Values

Kara Jones was in the right place at the right time in 2017 when CenterState CEO received a state grant to start the uncrewed aerial systems accelerator **Genius NY**. Jones was in her first week on the job as marketing manager for the business development group. "I was tasked with trying to market this, to get applicants, but I knew nothing about drones," she says. "I had to learn the industry very fast."

Jones even took the eight-week course to become a drone pilot, though she never got her license. "It's still on my bucket list," she says.

In 2021, Jones stepped into the role of Genius NY director. In January 2024, CenterState named her director of programs and engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship. She works out of the newly expanded **INSYPRE Innovation Hub**, 235 Harrison St., alongside the drone startups competing for $3 million in funding from Genius NY.

Since its inception, the program has attracted more than 42 startups to Central New York, Genius NY said in announcing its ninth cohort in August. The five finalists have until May to refine their business plans. On May 7, they will participate in a "Shark Tank"-like competition for $1 million. The runners-up receive $500,000 each.

Jones oversees three of CenterState's 12 full-time staff members at INSPYRE, plus the dozens of portfolio companies within Genius NY. At least 14 of those companies are located at the hub. Since 2017, the program has invested over $24 million, creating hundreds of jobs and attracting **$350 million in follow-on investment**.

Jones, 34, grew up in the Saratoga Springs area and graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2013 with a degree in public relations. That led to a job as public information officer for Oswego County, where she grew visibility for businesses and recreational opportunities. Jones also earned a master's degree in communications from Marist University.

Jones and her husband, Dan, live in Liverpool with their children, Stella, 4, and Jules, 3.

![Aviant drone](https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/v2/CERQRZOL4BBNXKM5M4IGNHVAC4.jpg?auth=13cb9bf4f5e910fcf3ca8b65063e018ef202695ab8c02f39c5e997b0f259d886&width=1280&smart=true&quality=90)
*Aviant, of Oslo, Norway, operates a drone delivery service. The company won the $1 million grand prize in the GENIUS NY business competition in Syracuse on Oct. 28, 2024.*

## The Unseen Drone Revolution

**You're working with the ninth cohort of drone startups but it's a bit under the radar. What's happening here that most of us don't see?**

Drones still feel a little abstract to most people until you actually see them in action. So, whether that's delivering critical medication, helping first responders locate a missing person or inspecting facility roofs via LIDAR, you don't realize how much drones are already impacting daily life. The question isn't *if* drones will touch your life, it's *how*. And the answer is quietly unfolding.

What people probably might not see is that Syracuse and our region have been quietly building one of the strongest UAS ecosystems in the country, if not the world. We invested early. Genius started in 2017. We've built up our ecosystem, the New York UAS test site, and brought in top companies and talent. But it's not just about the drones. It's the whole ecosystem — the communication systems, the radars, and that critical infrastructure with partners like **NUAIR**. We are building that full stack and making technologies real and ready to scale.

Even if the average person hasn't noticed yet, the industry absolutely recognizes it here. And someday soon it'll be obvious to everyone, like drones delivering your packages. I think I get asked when that will happen every month.

**So, when will it happen?**

It's happening right now in certain parts of the country, but day-to-day operations, we're probably a year out from that still.

## Measuring Success in Startup Investments

**You're making big bets on these unproven startups. Some might develop slowly; others might fail. How do you measure success?**

Early-stage investments are inherently a bet. Our job is to support more companies than we lose and to help founders avoid mistakes, plan early and ahead. Success is measured a number of different ways, but I would say it's not just job numbers. Success looks like securing [intellectual property], building a prototype to a minimum viable product, commercialization. It's landing your first customer, having your first pilot, raising investment using local vendors and talent and, yes, eventually hiring. But high-tech companies don't scale overnight. And some grow slowly, but they're growing meaningfully.

Even when teams choose not to stay in Syracuse after our Genius NY program, we continue to meet with them, support them learn and they know that our community is ready and waiting whenever the timing is right to come back. We also hold equity in these companies, so the region benefits from their success even when they're not here full time.

## Leadership from a Founder's Perspective

**From a leadership perspective, what do founders want from you?**

Sometimes it's a connection, sometimes it's a sounding board to talk through a tough decision. Sometimes it's just someone to say, you know, you're not crazy, keep going. For me, leadership isn't just about that. It's not just about the connections and advice. It's about seeing the bigger picture for them, helping them prioritize, knowing when to push, knowing when to step back and when to rally the right resources or people around them.

I think founders trust me because I see them. I know it's lonely and I know what they sacrifice, whether it's their kids, birthday parties, vacation, stability. I never ran a startup, but I've watched these founders go through it. And like you said, some fail, some succeed. But I try and bring empathy and perspective to every interaction. That combination of operational support, strategic guidance and genuine care -- that's the leadership piece I hope makes a difference.

I try to lead from a place of humanity. We're not saving lives at INSPYRE but days can be long and hard. Humor, empathy and perspective go a long way.

![INSPYRE Innovation Hub](https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/v2/CAR5W3SXPZC5ZFSZPDQO2QK6CY.jpg?auth=239c4018e0c4febea7a2c1c77a133535fd3192889007df80854cccddd07b6594&width=1280&smart=true&quality=90)
*INSPYRE Innovation Hub*

## AI and Leadership Insights

**How are you thinking about AI and how it might affect your work?**

I love to hate it and hate to love it. I think it makes things easier and faster, but I never want to lose the human touch and the human side of communication. You can always tell when people use AI to write an email because it feels off. In terms of working in innovation, AI is great for lean startups, but with boundaries. It should support creativity but not replace it.

I'm more mindful of being present. When I approach meetings, I'm trying not to go in with AI bots. No phones and purely just a notebook and my cell phone put away. It's nice to focus in. When I do it, others follow. In our work [it's made for] fewer distractions.

**Did you have leadership roles growing up? Who or what influenced you developing your leadership abilities?**

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. Oddly enough, my husband is one. [Dan Jones teaches and coaches hockey at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.] I always used to play school with my cousins, and I always loved helping them learn, read and write. In high school, I was also a big connector. I ran yearly Foosball tournaments in my basement, managed the brackets, managed the teams. I was also senior class president. So, leadership has just been within me all this time.

My family shaped a lot of who I am, too. My parents divorced at a really young age, and I kind of became the therapist of the family. I learned to listen, to mediate and to hold space. I'm honestly shocked I didn't become a therapist. And my Aunt Jody has been a really big role model for me. She's a cancer survivor. She had cancer in her 30s and really taught me perspective and positivity.

I also grew up with an older brother, so I am competitive, and I really hate to lose. That's good and bad, and it definitely drives me.

## Advice for Aspiring Leaders

**What advice would you give for effective leadership, especially to somebody who's new to it or aspires to be a leader?**

Create different ways for people to share. I've learned I can't expect everyone to speak up at a meeting. So, find ways to have your team speak up and feel comfortable.

Lean on your team. I tell my little toddlers: Teamwork makes the dream work. It's become their little mantra.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking that leaders need to know everything. When I became director of Genius, I thought I needed to be a drone expert. I tried, and I found that it's impossible. But having the right people around you is important and [so is] not being afraid that they're smarter than you.

**Leadership isn't a title. Anyone can lead.** I was almost nervous for this interview because I'm [wondering]: I'm a leader? A lot of newer leaders, especially women, may feel like that. **Leadership is how you show up every day. It's lived, not labeled.**

**What career advice would you give a young person starting out now?**

Lean on the people around you. Don't take that for granted. It's easy to Google things but the people right in front of you have so much knowledge, experience and stories.

Even if your role doesn't feel perfect, soak up everything you can because it will matter later. It probably won't look the way that you imagined in college. My career certainly doesn't. I never thought I would be in the drone ecosystem space.

**Failing is OK** and I would love to start normalizing this. You can learn from it, you can pivot, you can move forward. Working with startups, I see it all the time as part of their culture, and I'd really like to see that mindset shared more across the business world in general.

Something I live by is: **Just stay curious.** It will help you learn, grow in your career, and you just never know where it'll take you.

![Kara Jones with SUNY Oswego representatives](https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/v2/X4UFEVZPGZA63NUXSVMROB424Q.jpg?auth=e12ffead0751cfc2eca80220121eb145b05c7e777e993a8bbda5a6d6b7895f43&width=1280&smart=true&quality=90)
*Kara Jones (second from left), director of Programs and Engagement at INSPYRE Innovation Hub, poses with representatives of SUNY Oswego after a tour of the hub this past summer.*

## Personal Reflections and Community Impact

**If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?**

Not to let emotions or self-doubt get in the way of doing your best. I was the first person in my household to go to college, and I often felt like maybe I wasn't smart enough or technical enough. And especially in the drone industry that is mostly men. I would remind myself: You learn fast, you work hard, you get things done and you care about people. And those qualities matter just as much as being the most technical person in the room.

Keep making people laugh and smile. That's a part of who I am and how I lead. I joke that if I weren't doing this, maybe I would be a standup comic. I love humor.

**You probably could live and work anywhere. Why do you choose Central New York?**

I'm originally from outside Saratoga Springs. My husband grew up in Toronto. I wanted a city and he wanted a community. Syracuse ended up being the perfect mix of both. It's sort of that big little city and it's halfway for both our families. At the time we were like, yeah! And now we're like, why don't we live close to grandparents? What are we doing?

It's great for family activities year round. There's hockey, a community that really shows up for others, and a place where we've been able to really love our home and a good place to have our children grow up.

I went through Leadership Greater Syracuse in 2020 and it really cemented my connection to the region and gave me a deeper appreciation for the work that we're doing to grow and strengthen Syracuse.

**If I handed you a magic wand, what's the one thing you would change about Syracuse?**

I would change how people feel about Onondaga Lake. I grew up tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing on the Hudson River, which was also dredged. And I turned out fine, I think. I want my kids to have those same memories here on this lake that's so visible to this community. I recently took a boat tour with **Syracuse Boat Tours** in the summer, and it was the first time I had actually done the whole loop of the lake besides kayaking, and it was beautiful. It was really sad that there were no other boats on the lake in the middle of summer. We've done great work with the amphitheater and the parkway, but I'd really love to see more activity on the water and get people out there enjoying it.

Jones and the Genius NY program have quietly built one of the strongest UAS ecosystems in the world, with 42+ startups and $350M in follow-on investment.

How Kara Jones Built a $350M Drone Empire: Leadership Lessons from Genius NY's Director

## Shiloh Luckey's Alleged Fraud Scandal

Shiloh Luckey, the founder and former CEO of **ComplYant**, a tax-compliance startup based in Los Angeles, is facing serious legal troubles. The **FBI** is conducting a federal criminal investigation into allegations of **securities and bank fraud**, while the **SEC** has filed civil charges against her.

![Shiloh Luckey at Collision 2022](https://i.insider.com/693c7db104eda4732f2d787f?width=700)
*Toronto, Canada - 22 June 2022; Shiloh Luckey, Founder & former CEO, ComplYant, on Centre Stage during day two of Collision 2022 at Enercare Centre in Toronto, Canada. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Images)*

### The SEC's Allegations

According to the SEC, Luckey misused millions of dollars from **venture capital funds** for personal expenses. These include:
- Paying for her **home**
- Purchasing **Super Bowl tickets**
- Funding trips to **Aspen, Miami Beach, Turks and Caicos, and Lisbon**
- Covering costs for a **destination wedding in the Caribbean**
- Paying for her **car**

The SEC claims that Luckey painted a **rosy picture** of ComplYant's revenue growth to investors, stating that monthly revenues increased from around $2,500 in November 2020 to over $250,000 by September 2022. However, the reality was starkly different: the company only generated an average of about **$250 in monthly revenue** during that period and averaged fewer than **four new subscribers each month**.

### Background and Funding

Luckey founded ComplYant in 2019 to help small businesses navigate tax regulations. In 2022, the company raised a **$5.5 million seed round** led by **Craft Ventures**, a San Francisco venture firm co-founded by investor and White House advisor **David Sacks**. Overall, ComplYant raised more than **$13 million** from top venture capitalists.

Despite the funding, the company abruptly shut down last year, leaving over **50 employees** without final paychecks for seven weeks and missing **401(k) contributions**.

### Regulatory Crackdown

This case highlights the **increased scrutiny** from regulators on startup founders. **Monique Winkler**, SEC regional director, warned, "Startup founders cannot fake it until they make it by falsifying revenue metrics." Recent cases, such as the **seven-year prison sentence for Charlie Javice** and fraud charges against Mozaic Payments' former CEO Marcus Cobb, show that authorities are taking a **tougher line** on fraudulent activities in the startup world.

### Luckey's Response and Current Activities

When reached by telephone, Luckey said, "I don't have anything to offer you," and hung up. She is representing herself in court and has not responded to the SEC allegations.

Since ComplYant's shutdown, Luckey has continued to post **instructional videos** on her **TikTok channel**, which has nearly **24,000 subscribers**, offering advice on taxes and accounting. In October, she launched a new startup called **HabitLoop**, described as a digital financial assistant to help people manage their money. In a video, she stated, "I grew up with very poor financial habits," and added, "This is something I built on hard lessons."

The SEC also alleges that Luckey falsely represented herself as a **CPA**, with no record of her ever having the accreditation.

Shiloh Luckey faces SEC charges for using VC funds to pay for her home, Super Bowl tickets, trips to Aspen, and a wedding. The FBI is also investigating.

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